Australia Expands Clean Energy Plan Supporting 3GW Renewables, 5GW Storage

Australia is intensifying its commitment to renewable energy by expanding its Capacity Investment Scheme to support an additional 3 gigawatts of renewable generation and 5 gigawatts of energy storage, aiming to more than double renewable energy output by the end of the decade. Independent analyses, including the 2024-25 GenCost report by CSIRO and the Australian Energy Market Operator, confirm that renewables remain the lowest-cost new-build energy options, outperforming coal, gas, and nuclear power, with falling battery costs further enhancing affordability. The Albanese Labor Government's renewable energy plans have gained broad public support, rejecting expensive nuclear proposals while encouraging household adoption of renewable technologies. Meanwhile, the United Nations' climate chief Simon Stiell has urged Australia to adopt more ambitious emissions targets in its upcoming 2035 climate goals, emphasizing the economic and environmental benefits of accelerating the transition to clean energy. Despite Australia's status as a major coal exporter, the government is investing heavily in solar, wind, and green manufacturing to position the country as a renewable energy superpower and secure future jobs and exports. The UN warns that failure to act decisively could lead to significant economic and environmental costs for Australia, underscoring the urgency of ambitious climate action.