Environmental impacts of renewable energy projects

With reference to recent media reporting (27 February 2026):

Australia’s renewable energy sector exists because of the environment, not in spite of it. Climate change remains the biggest long-term threat to native species and habitat, which is why transitioning out of fossil fuels, such as coal, to clean, reliable, renewable energy is critical.

Protecting biodiversity and managing environmental impacts are core obligations under strict State and Commonwealth laws in Australia.

Like all major infrastructure, whether roads, housing or utilities, renewable energy projects can require some land clearing. However, the total footprint of the renewables needed to power 100 per cent of Australia’s energy needs is estimated at just 1-2 per cent of the national landmass, significantly smaller than sectors such as mining and agriculture.

Every renewable energy project in Australia must undergo rigorous environmental assessment under the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), alongside relevant state and territory planning and environmental frameworks.

For example, in Queensland, State Code 23 requires wind farms to demonstrate no significant loss of high-quality agricultural land and to meet strict biodiversity and vegetation clearing requirements before approval, including Government sign-off.

Beyond statutory requirements, many proponents implement additional safeguards during construction, including detailed pre-clearing assessments, species monitoring, and - where feasible - relocation of identified flora and fauna to minimise environmental impact.