Australia is very fortunate to be a land of great natural beauty, and one with immense potential for renewable energy generation. But, it’s a reality that climate change threatens the country’s natural gifts. Also, if the Great Southern Land doesn’t look to proactively seize upon this potential for green energy, it could find its opportunity to become a renewable superpower is lost, as other countries which would be export markets for our green energy find supply elsewhere. That’s why it’s important to discuss Australia’s renewable energy aspirations here – alongside the related quest to drive down emissions – including both the setbacks and successes seen in recent times.
A Clear-Eyed Examination of Our Energy Setbacks
It’s essential to be clear-cut when it comes to understanding Australia’s current dynamic surrounding green energy. While great gains have been made, the fact is few nations have the immense opportunity Australia has in this area, but the capacity to seize upon such opportunities has oftentimes been hindered by timidity, and – unfortunately – a deliberate desire to obstruct progress by some stakeholders who are small in number, but large in influence.
Yes, a change of federal government last year has seen a notable increase in key green targets. The National Electricity Market is now aiming to have 82% of its power come from renewables by 2030. In turn, the increase of the target in reducing emissions (based upon 2005 levels) to 43% by 2030 was also an improvement on the previous government’s target, of between 26%-28%.
But it’s a reality that Australia’s present goal to reach net zero by 2050 that multiple federal governments have had is not only seen as just inadequate by critics of this target, but outright dangerous overall. It’s of course not just Australia’s responsibility to reduce emissions. But, if Australia is looking to demonstrate global leadership, and not be a global laggard falling behind mainstream international action – they will also take away excuses for other nations to justify for inaction, hence, this target must be revised. Doing so would not only enhance our climate credentials, but increase the opportunities for the growth of green industry.
Recognising the Great Gains Made
As aforementioned, Australia has a lot of work to do when it comes to increasing its renewable energy capacity and going green. This notwithstanding, it’s also essential to acknowledge the good work done so far – especially because a critical part of this story has been written by everyday Australians. For instance, for multiple years Australia has had the highest amount of solar power per-capita in the world. Rooftop solar systems installed on homes and small businesses – in addition to other great endeavours being devised in our communities such as the blockchain peer-to-peer trading of green energy – mean the grassroots devotion to helping Australia go green has been tremendous indeed, and been a notable contributor to seeing Australia today possess over 70 GW of renewable capacity.
