Accelerating Clean Energy

Australia has abundant sun and wind, a skilled workforce, and the manufacturing potential to power a renewable energy future. Almost half of our electricity already comes from renewables. The transition is well under way – now it needs to speed up.

Coal power stations are ageing and increasingly failing, causing blackouts, pushing up electricity prices, and driving further pollution. High gas prices, which analysts link to multinational companies exporting most of Australia’s gas, are adding to the pressure on households and businesses.

At the same time, solar and wind keep getting cheaper and cheaper – and Australians are already making the switch. More than one in three Australian households produce their own power, backed by a growing number of batteries.

Australia also has a critical role to play in the energy transition in Asia. Low-cost Australian renewables can power clean manufacturing here and create opportunities for green iron, aluminium and other clean energy exports. But the transition isn’t just about technology. The new energy system we’re building needs to work for everyday people and communities. Local communities need to share in the benefits: good jobs, lower bills, and a real say in how and where projects are developed and who benefits. First Nations communities need to be acknowledged and respected as rights holders and have a critical role to play in building a clean energy future for Australia.

Goal

Our goal is for Australia to be a renewable economy by 2035 – generating electricity and repowering heavy industry with clean energy to reduce pollution, protect nature, and create good jobs.

The Opportunity

Lower bills and energy security

Renewables are the cheapest form of new energy. Faster renewable rollout means lower electricity costs, less dependence on unreliable coal plants and volatile gas prices, and a more reliable energy system into the future. And everyday Australians can tap into lower bills and have their own energy security with solar panels on their rooftops.

Win the industries of the future

The world is shifting to zero-emissions industries that need enormous amounts of cheap, reliable, zero-carbon electricity – exactly what Australia can provide. By using abundant renewable energy to manufacture low-emissions materials like green steel and green aluminium, Australia can capture high-value industries while creating lasting jobs – not just digging up and selling raw materials, but building the products the world needs.

Create over 400,000 clean energy jobs

Clean energy could create more than 400,000 jobs across Australia by 2040 – in construction, manufacturing, engineering, and operations. Many of these are jobs in regions that currently rely on coal and gas, giving communities a pathway to stronger, more diversified, and sustainable local economies.

Cut pollution

Pollution from coal and gas power stations is not only driving up costs, it’s also a major contributor to greenhouse pollution - which is putting our future at risk. The rapid shift to clean energy is key to Australia cutting emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.

How we pursue this goal

Remove policy and market barriers

Outdated rules designed for coal plants create bottlenecks and delays for wind and solar. We work with governments, regulators, and industry to reform these rules so renewable energy can connect faster and at lower cost.

Drive investment in clean industry

We’re working to build the solutions and strategies needed to unlock investment in clean manufacturing including green steel, green aluminium, and renewable exports so Australia can cut pollution and grow sustainable regional economies.

Ensure communities benefit

All Australians should have access to low-cost, reliable clean energy and renewable energy projects should create good local jobs, respect Traditional Owners’ rights, and deliver long-term benefits to the regions that host them. We’re working to make this a reality by pushing for policies, standards and investment to make sure benefits are shared.

Convene networks and build community power

Through Renew Australia For All, we support a broad cross-section of the community to come together to advocate for a renewable energy future that benefits all Australians.