Emissions reductions delivered by renewable energy
Read our report on emissions reductions in Australia as a direct result of the uptake and acceleration of clean energy
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19 Nov 2024
Since 2015, 40 GW of new rooftop solar and large-scale renewable energy capacity has been deployed across Australia, with the share of renewables in the energy system climbing from 16 per cent to just shy of 40 per cent in 2023.
This investment has resulted in emissions being 30 per cent lower today than they would have otherwise been without the renewable energy investment since 2015. In aggregate, this has resulted in over 200 million tonnes of avoided CO2 emissions since 2015, relative to if Australia had continued to rely on the 2015 power plant fleet.
The growth in renewable generation since 2015 is estimated to have avoided 55 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in the 2023 calendar year, relative to a situation in which we had continued to rely on the generation fleet in place back in 2015. This is equal to a 30 per cent reduction in electricity emissions
This will deliver 75 million tonnes of emission reductions in that year relative to if we had
kept the 2015 mix of generation plant in place. This is a 39 per cent reduction on electricity emissions. That is equivalent to reducing the emissions from all of Australia’s cars, light commercial vehicles, and aeroplanes to zero.
That's if growth continues at the pace required to meet the Federal Government's target of 82% renewable energy by 2030.
Joint submission to AEMC on security framework enhancements and clarity and transparency in security
Our joint submission to AEMC on security framework enhancements and clarity and transparency in security frameworks calls for the consolidation of the two rule change proposals, improved governance of Essential System Services, clearer planning and reporting obligations and more streamlined procurement processes.
Submission on IPART’s Review of the regulatory framework for Supply Connection Infrastructure in NSW
Our submission to IPART’s review of supply connection infrastructure in NSW highlights that proposed additional regulation for dedicated connection asset (DCA) operators could increase barriers to entry. It also outlines alternative approaches to manage risks within existing frameworks, while maintaining competition to support investment in new renewable energy projects.
Clean Energy Council response to Channel 7 Spotlight program
Ensuring integrity in supply chains is a serious global issue that cuts across multiple industries worldwide, and it deserves sustained attention from governments, companies and civil society as well as the global community.
Submission to DCCEEW on the draft Catalogue of Measures
Our submission to DCCEEW on the draft catalogue of measures to avoid and mitigate collisions of birds and bats with wind farms, calling for greater clarity on integration with the EPBC Act approval process and the Australian Collision Risk Framework, a risk-based decision matrix and model conditions, and clearer direction on curtailment, data limitations, cumulative impacts, regulatory constraints and emerging technologies.
Submission to DCCEEW on the draft Australian Collision Risk Framework
Our submission to DCCEEW on the draft Australian Collision Risk Framework for onshore and offshore wind farms calls for a proportionate, risk-based approach that avoids overly conservative outcomes and provides greater clarity on integration with the EPBC Act approval process.
Submission on WA draft Renewable Energy Planning Code and accompanying Guidelines
The Clean Energy Council has submitted feedback to the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (WA) on the Draft Renewable Energy Planning Code and accompanying Guidelines, calling for greater certainty around noise compliance, increased turbine envelopes for micro-siting and changes to development application requirements.
