Growing a bigger, cleaner grid
About 40% of the power in Australia’s national grid comes from renewables like wind and solar.
Australia’s shift to renewable energy is well underway. This is making electricity cleaner and more affordable for millions of Australian families. But to secure a better future for our kids we need to cut climate pollution further and faster this decade.
More clean energy is the foundation for cutting pollution
We need to keep building on Australia’s momentum to get more affordable and reliable renewable energy and storage onto rooftops across our cities and suburbs, and more large-scale wind, solar and batteries charging up our grid.
How renewables are powering Australia
The good news is, our energy grid is getting cleaner by the day, as families, communities and businesses big and small embrace the opportunities of renewable energy.
Did you know?
- One in three homes in Australia already have solar panels on the roof, which is collectively saving $3 billion a year in household energy bills.
- Places like Tasmania and the ACT are powered by 100% renewable electricity, and South Australia is using more than 70% clean electricity. Other states are rolling out more wind, solar and storage around the country.
- Australia has doubled the share of renewable electricity in our grid in just six years. This impressive feat shows how quickly new clean energy is coming online now.
We have so much to gain by going further and faster. Rolling out more solar, wind and storage will:
- Keep electricity secure, affordable, and reliable as ageing and unreliable coal-fired generators close down.
- Slash electricity bills for millions more households and businesses.
- Attract billions of dollars worth of new investment in our regions.
- Create tens of thousands of jobs for today’s workforce, while laying the foundations for our future clean energy industries to thrive.
- Cut climate pollution deeply and permanently right across Australia.
We can’t afford any delays in the critical roll out of clean, affordable and reliable renewable energy.
If you want to help grow a bigger, cleaner grid in Australia by the end of the decade, donate now to power the campaign.
Why not gas or nuclear?
Australia is already well on the way to being mostly powered by wind and solar, backed by storage. Already, about 40% of the electricity in our main national grid comes from renewables and more is on the way. We simply don’t need polluting or risky options like nuclear or more gas when renewables can get the job done more affordably and cleanly.
To understand more about why nuclear energy and new gas projects are not the answer for Australia, check out these resources:
resources and reports
Seize The Sun: How to supercharge australia’s rooftop solar
We have huge potential to keep growing rooftop solar and storage in Australia, and so much to gain when we do: lower bills, less climate pollution and a more reliable grid. It’s time to cement our place as the world’s solar champions by going even bigger on solar now.
2024 progress scorecard: How states and territories measure up
Nowhere is our rapid shift towards an economy powered by renewable energy more visible than at the state and territory level, where governments, communities and households are leading the charge. This transformation is dynamic, with different states and territories leading the way on different aspects.
How Australia Can Supercharge Rooftop Solar
Australia is the world’s leader in rooftop solar. With more than 3.6 million households having already installed solar on their roof.
Race to the top on climate: Where does your state rank?
A new Climate Council report comparing Australia’s states and territories has found Queensland has rocketed up the rankings from climate laggard to solar leader in just a few years, while other governments are speeding ahead with electric homes and vehicles, and stronger plans to cut climate pollution.
With your support, we’re pushing for action, policies and investment which can accelerate the rollout of reliable renewable energy. We’re showing up to Parliament armed with evidence-backed information, and demonstrating the benefits of a bigger, cleaner grid directly to decision-makers. We’re making sure our message is heard in the media: being loud and proud about the benefits of clean energy, and the price we’re all paying for polluting coal and gas.
Latest Media
Look mum, we’re actually doing it! AEMO confirms clean energy is powering up our grid
Renewable energy like solar and wind is providing 40% of the electricity in Australia’s main grid, and there’s a strong pipeline of new projects on the way, according to the latest outlook from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).
Experts back massive sun shine project
The Climate Council applauds today’s announcement of the green light for Australia’s largest solar farm as a “bold step in seizing the power of the sun to make Australia a clean energy powerhouse.”
AEMO: Accelerating renewables rollout is the only serious plan for Australia’s energy grid
Clean energy backed by storage is the lowest-cost source of electricity for Aussie households and businesses, and Australia is well on the way to a reliable renewables-led grid, the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) latest roadmap confirms.
Climate Council responds to reports of Wollongong Offshore Wind Zone declaration
Offshore wind will be an important part of Australia’s clean energy grid because it provides reliable, steady renewable energy right around the clock. This is one of the important ways we’ll power Australia as our ageing and unreliable coal-fired generators close.
Billions for green industry, no new money for gas – this is how we build Australia’s clean future
The Climate Council has described the 2024-25 Federal Budget as a decisive turn towards Australia’s clean energy future.
Let’s seize the decade!
Want the full plan for how Australia can cut climate pollution by 75% by 2030?
Find it here