Australia could be 100pc powered by clean energy by 2050
Australia could source 100 per cent of its power from renewable sources by 2050, according to a new WWF report
Australia could source 100 per cent of its power from renewables by 2050, according to a new WWF report.
The study, produced in collaboration with the Australian National University, suggests that Australia is well placed to cut emissions at low cost because clean technologies for wind and solar energy have become significantly cheaper.
Australia’s current commitment is to reduce carbon emissions by 5 per cent below 2000 levels by 2020 but there is doubt among experts that the governments Direct Action policy will achieve the targets.
The national climate change policy does not extend beyond 2020.
The governing Coalition’s ambition to cut the existing Renewable Energy Target (RET) has triggered an investment drought in the clean energy sector and despite continued calls from business groups, the standoff over the RET remains unresolved.
The government is due to announce post-2020 emissions reduction targets in June.
Australia has been asked to defend the Direct Action policy at the United Nations, after several countries submitted queries on how the policy would cut emissions.
The United States and China joined other nations in challenging Australia about its policies and commitment to renewable energy.
The WWF/ANU report suggests that Australia could make a effective and cost efficient transition to a low-carbon economy if the government formed effective policy and regulatory signals to the market.
The study shows that clean technology options are becoming cheaper while fossil fuel alternatives remain static.
One of the main arguments against decarbonisation in recent years has been the high cost associated with the move away from fossil fuels but the new research says that costs have been overestimated.
The costs of solar and wind particularly have fallen much faster than anticipated.
The report says Australia could achieve a near-zero carbon system by around 2040 if there clear and stable policy settings were introduced to support investment in renewable energy.
The report’s author, Australian National University associate professor Frank Jotzo, said: “With our abundant renewable resources we are one of the best placed countries in the world for moving to a fully renewable electricity supply,” he said. “Australia can achieve zero net emissions by harnessing energy efficiency, moving to a zero-carbon electricity system, switching from direct use of fossil fuels to decarbonised electricity, and improving industrial processes.”