The renewable energy share of Australia’s main grid energy mix is growing at pace according to data from both the Clean Energy Council (CEC) and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) – 39.4% of the country’s total electricity was supplied by green sources in 2023, up 9.7% in a single year.
The momentum is only building – twenty-seven battery projects are currently under construction, with a total combined potential capacity of 5 gigawatts (GW) and 11 gigawatt-hours (GWh).
$4.9 billion was also invested in large-scale energy storage in 2023, while overall renewable energy generation grew 5.9 GW, 2.8 GW being directly supplied by rooftop solar from 337,498 new installations at households and small businesses.
“AEMO forecasts show reliability levels can be maintained over most of the next 10 years if programs and initiatives already established are delivered on time and in full,” the AEMO’s 2024 Electricity Statement of Opportunities (ESOO) reads.
“This includes delivery of planned actionable transmission projects, investments supported by federal and state government energy programs, and coordination of consumer energy resources.”
Maintaining energy security during decarbonisation
While the AEMO is cautious in its optimism, highlighting the uncertain nature of pre-development projects, Australia is already on a pathway to stable, reliable green energy.
“The energy operator has confirmed that if we get on with building all the clean energy projects planned then Australia can power past the polluting coal-fired generators,” Climate Council head of policy and advocacy Dr Jennifer Rayner said.
“In the past twelve months, we’ve seen positive progress on rooftop solar, transmission lines, big batteries and more clean energy projects boosting reliable energy supply.
“This Electricity Statement of Opportunities (ESOO) is proof that the system works when governments and investors work together to get clean energy projects rolling out on time.
“It’s a clear signal to keep accelerating the work that’s underway to charge up our clean energy grid.
“Renewables backed by batteries are now providing reliable power to a large chunk of our homes and businesses every day, and the role of renewables is growing all the time.
“In South Australia, the share of clean energy in the grid is closer to 80% and Tasmania is 90% powered by renewables.”
With one third of total coal, gas and diesel generator capacity slated to be retired in the next decade, realising current and future energy projects is not just an environmental responsibility, but an imperative in terms of both energy and economic superiority.