TRANSCRIPT
The race to secure the nation's clean energy future is on.
But as states and territories promise to reach net zero by 2050 or earlier, a fresh breakdown by the Climate Council has scrutinised how their progress is tracking.
What it's exposed: the clean energy transition isn't running at the same pace across the country.
Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie explains.
"The NT and WA are far behind the rest of Australia and it's a shame because both of those states have huge opportunities in renewable power. Lots of space, lots of sun and critical minerals as well. There are opportunities for those states, but unfortunately with a lack of government policy they're far behind the others."
The lowest share – 7% – was recorded in the Northern Territory.
Western Australia's renewables output is only marginally better at 18%, followed by Queensland at 27%.
NSW is powered by 36% renewables, while in Victoria the output is slightly higher at 40%.
Strong headway is seen in South Australia, recording 74%.
The ACT is leading the way at 100% and Tasmania not far behind at 98%.
Ms McKenzie says all states have the potential to achieve total reliance.
"It's clear that we can get to 100% renewable energy this decade – a range of different authorities have told us that – and that comes from federal government policy as well as state government policy. State governments are very important in terms of their planning progress. If you don't have the right planning policies, you can't necessarily roll out renewables as quickly as would be desirable. It's important to make sure that's done in an environmentally sound way, a culturally sound way and is in consultation with communities."
Criticism of progress in Western Australia and the Northern Territory centred on what the Climate Council has described as the continued expansion and approval of coal and gas projects.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen has responded in a statement that: "The Albanese government is working with all states and territories to bring on more reliable renewables to help them decarbonise while delivering cheaper power to homes and businesses."
When jurisdictions were compared on their best traits:
NSW ranked number one for public transport usage, Victoria in the uptake of wind energy, Queensland in rooftop solar, W-A in batteries and critical minerals research, South Australia in household batteries, Tasmania in hydropower and the ACT in electric vehicles.
Director of the Energy Program at Grattan Institute Tony Wood says this snapshot must go further.
"I think it's worth drilling down into understanding the things behind that - and then looking at where do we all have to go because it's a matter of making sure we get there overall in the lowest cost and most effective way. I don't think we need to, necessarily, home in on comparing adversely one state over another, although it is interesting to do so"
Up to 40% of the national grid's power now comes from renewables, according to this latest analysis.
It's a sign of progress in a transition that still holds untapped potential.
