3 things to consider about Australia’s energy transition

With Australia’s 2030 climate targets looming, the energy transition conversation is not going anywhere. For us, there are three key areas to consider, and all present their own unique challenges and opportunities.

Existing infrastructure, from transmission lines, energy storage, and power grids

Australia's existing energy infrastructure falls short of the demands for a sustainable future. In 2022, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) released the Integrated System Plan (ISP), providing a 20-year forecast of the National Electricity Market’s infrastructure needs. The ISP showed that by 2050 we need more than 10,000 km of new transmission lines.

Australia is on its way to becoming a renewable energy superpower, backed by government net zero commitments, but it has a long way to go to get there. As part of the transition, the Australian Government has committed A$23 billion to upgrade the grid and boost energy partners, creating significant opportunities for industry partners to invest.

The role of community engagement

Local communities continue to play a crucial role in Australia's energy transition, and it’s a non-negotiable for proponents to take a keen interest in their feedback and concerns from the outset.

Last year, an independent Community Engagement Review was commissioned and completed, emphasising the role of community engagement in Australia's renewable energy transition. The review identified opportunities to ensure community support and participation, presenting nine key recommendations within the report. The Australian Government has accepted all recommendations in principle. So what's next? The implementation of the recommendations will be shared across all levels of government, with many falling within the responsibility of state and territory governments, with progress of recommendations happening through the Energy Climate and Ministerial Council.

You can read the nine recommendations made within the report here.

The renewable energy supply chain

Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and more go into renewable energy solutions like solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage. While there is a continued priority placed on recycled materials, it's impossible for renewable energy infrastructure to keep up with demand without the mining of new materials. Notwithstanding, the mining industry in Australia is working hard to introduce renewable and sustainable practices into their operations. With the rapid expansion of the renewable energy industry in Australia, mining is more critical to renewable energy development than you might think!