Advancements in Green Energy: Australia and Beyond in the Pursuit of Renewable Energy

2023 saw a significant rise in renewable energy due to solar and wind power, reaching 30% of global electricity generation.

Solar and wind energy accounted for nearly 91% of new power capacity, far surpassing fossil fuels at 6%. 

As we anticipate the results for 2024, let’s reflect on the global achievements and compare how Australia stands in this renewable energy transformation.

Australia vs. UK: Renewable Energy Battle

While Australians may not often applaud the UK, their progress in clean energy is commendable. 

The UK’s move from 46% fossil fuels to 27% renewables in only three years is remarkable. 

Australia’s Progress on Renewable Energy

The World Economic Forum’s Energy Transition Index assesses 120 countries on their journey towards clean energy. Though Australia isn’t among the top 10 or 20, its strides in renewable energy are still praiseworthy.

Australia’s renewable energy growth over the past decade is impressive.

And the standout region for renewable energy in Australia? South Australia!

Leading the Way: South Australia’s Renewable Energy Milestones

In 2023, South Australia was already powered by wind and solar at 75%, prompting an expedited target for 100% renewables by 2027. 

With a 50% chance of rooftop solar in South Australian households, the state’s renewable energy progress surpasses that of many nations worldwide.

Policies supporting renewable energy, bipartisan backing, and robust climate regulations have been key to the state’s achievements. However, other states have an opportunity to catch up and join the transition before it becomes costlier and more challenging.

The Role of Nuclear Energy

In short: nuclear energy is not the solution.

Proposals for nuclear power, like Peter Dutton’s, do not effectively address climate change. Even Nationals senator Matt Canavan labeled the Coalition’s nuclear policy as a costly political patch.

Introducing nuclear energy in Australia would hinder the progress of renewables, stalling our momentum and fostering a nuclear vs renewable energy debate. The Coalition’s ties to fossil fuel industry donors suggest a prolonged transition period with a nuclear power plant taking up to two decades to materialize. Such a move could potentially prolong coal usage and delay the shift towards cleaner energy sources.

Nuclear energy is a distraction from the urgent task of phasing out fossil fuels and transitioning to sustainable alternatives like wind and solar power. Australia is well on its way to meeting renewable energy goals without the risks associated with nuclear waste disposal.

As the federal election approaches, the focus should remain on accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels to combat climate change effectively.

In addition to breaking renewable energy records in 2024, the year also set new heat records. 2024 marked the hottest year on record, continuing a decade-long trend.

The road ahead demands a relentless pursuit of pollution-reducing solutions, not regressive steps towards increased fossil fuel consumption and nuclear energy generation.

Here’s to a future abundant in renewable energy in 2025!