Accelerating renewables vital to Australia reaching 2030 emissions target
The Annual Progress Report urges faster deployment of clean energy and sector-wide action to reduce emissions.
The Climate Change Authority's 2024 Annual Progress Report has identified the need for faster reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, despite recent progress in implementing new policies. The report, released today, forms part of Minister Chris Bowen’s Annual Climate Change Statement to Parliament and provides an independent assessment of Australia’s progress toward its 2030 emissions reduction target.
Emissions fell by 3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2-e) in 2023–24, but the report warns this rate must accelerate. To meet the 2030 target, annual reductions will need to average 15 Mt CO2-e over the next six years.
Chair Matt Kean said that while the groundwork is being laid, delivery will be critical. "Australia can maintain a strong economy, protect the environment and preserve our way of life by taking decisive action on climate change," he said.
The report includes 10 recommendations, primarily focused on scaling up renewable energy, managing the energy sector’s transition away from coal, and reducing emissions in transport, industry, and other sectors. The authors emphasise the importance of leveraging existing technologies and infrastructure, including rooftop solar and battery storage systems, to bring more clean energy online quickly.
Among the policies recognised for their potential are the expanded Capacity Investment Scheme, the reformed Safeguard Mechanism, and the introduction of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard. These measures aim to accelerate the shift to renewable energy and curb emissions across multiple sectors.
According to Mr Kean, "Every additional tonne of emissions adds to the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and increases the risk of climate and economic impacts. Cutting emissions now is an urgent priority and investing in renewables is the best way to do it."
Australia's emissions have dropped 28% below 2005 levels, mainly due to reduced land clearing, new tree planting, and the growing adoption of renewable energy. However, emissions from agriculture, transport, and industry remain 13% above 2005 levels, pointing to uneven progress across sectors. The report stresses that all sectors must contribute to emissions reductions, noting that proven technologies are available to achieve this.
One area flagged for rapid deployment is rooftop solar and battery storage. Almost four million Australian homes and businesses already have solar systems installed, but the report suggests that larger systems on commercial and industrial sites could accelerate emissions cuts without requiring extensive new transmission infrastructure.
The 2024 Annual Progress Report is available on the Climate Change Authority's website, along with an updated Climate Policy Tracker, which outlines current federal, state, and territory climate policies and identifies gaps in implementation.
