Australia can achieve net-zero emissions through renewables by 2035: Report

From The New Daily (27/3/24)…
 

Australia can achieve net-zero emissions through renewables by 2035: Report

Australia could be generating 100 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, according to a report that details the roadmap to achieving net zero.

The Climate Council’s Seize the Decade report has found more than 40 per cent of the energy in the Australian national grid is now sourced by renewables, but more needs to be done to mitigate climate change.

Dr Jennifer Rayner, head of advocacy at the Climate Council, said Australia has already made great progress in cutting climate pollution.

“The solutions we need are here and now, and the opportunity is to roll them out and accelerate it right across our economy,” she said.

“Fundamentally, we have the technology and we know what to do.”

Economic benefit

Current plans from the Albanese government have Australia achieving half the cuts to pollution required to mitigate climate change, but the report details how by supercharging renewable power sources Australia can become a leader in clean energy.

Nicki Hutley, an economist and Climate Councillor, said wind and solar is now cheaper than any other form of energy.

“It’s both rational from reducing climate pollution and rational from an economic perspective,” she said.

“Once you take into account the avoided costs in terms of improved health, reduced natural disasters, higher productivity, less volatility, food prices and other inflationary impact, we are talking about trillions of dollars.