Australian states leading swift power transition

Laws at state level are enabling transition, but recent federal climate change legislation encourages direction of travel

Australia’s state and federal policies now mean it is likely to achieve emissions reductions in the power sector consistent with its targeted contribution to the Paris Agreement, according to stakeholders surveyed by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). Australia’s recently passed climate change law enshrines a target of 43pc reductions from 2005 levels by 2030, and net-zero emissions by 2050. In its 2022 integrated system plan, AEMO sets out five scenarios, and reports that stakeholders consider its Step Change scenario—where Australia reduces emissions by 43pc and reaches 83pc renewable power by 2030—is the most likely. The climate change law has provided clarity at federal level