Australian citizens have always been active in the fight against climate change, and 2021 is no different. A recent report shows that Australia has set a new record for the proportion of its energy that comes from renewable sources, with an impressive 20.1% of its energy coming from renewable sources at the start of the year. This is a significant increase from the previous year’s figure of 17.3%, and it’s clear that Australians are serious about transitioning to renewable energy.
The report, which was conducted by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), shows that renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydro-power, have grown significantly in the past year. Solar energy is the most significant contributor to this growth, with a massive 8.2% of Australia’s energy now coming from solar sources. This is followed closely by wind energy, which contributes 4.5%. Hydro-power is the third-largest contributor, with 2.6%, and geothermal energy brings up the rear with 1.2%.
The Australian government has set an ambitious target to transition the nation to net zero emissions by 2050. This goal is being pursued through a variety of initiatives, including the National Energy Guarantee, which seeks to ensure that electricity retailers provide reliable and affordable energy to their customers. There is also the Clean Energy Target, which aims to reduce emissions and increase the use of renewable energy sources. Finally, the Emission Reduction Fund is a key part of the government’s plan, which aims to reduce emissions through a range of measures, such as funding for research and development.
The transition to renewable energy is taking place at a rapid pace in Australia. Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly cost-competitive with traditional energy sources, making them increasingly attractive to businesses and households alike. This rapid transition is being supported by a range of government incentives and tax breaks, which are helping to provide a boost to the renewable energy sector.
The rapid uptake of renewable energy sources in Australia is also being driven by the public’s increasing awareness of the benefits of renewable energy. With the growing threat of climate change, more people are becoming aware of the need to transition to renewable sources of energy in order to reduce emissions and ensure a more sustainable future. The widespread public support for renewable energy is also helping to drive investment in this sector, with a range of companies and organisations investing in renewable energy projects.
As the uptake of renewable energy sources continues to grow in Australia, it is clear that the nation is on track to meet its ambitious target of net zero emissions by 2050. This is an impressive achievement, and one that will be celebrated by Australians as they continue to lead the way towards a more sustainable future. With the continued growth of renewable energy sources, it is likely that Australia will be able to exceed its target and achieve even greater levels of emissions reductions.
Conclusion
Australia has set a new record for its share of renewable energy at the start of 2021, with an impressive 20.1% of its energy coming from renewable sources. This is a significant increase from the previous year’s figure of 17.3%, and it is clear that Australians are serious about transitioning to renewable energy. With the continued growth of renewable energy sources, it is likely that Australia will be able to exceed its target of net zero emissions by 2050.
References
Australian Energy Market Operator, (2021). Australia’s Renewable Energy Percentage Reaches 20.1% in 2021. Retrieved from https://www.aemo.com.au/Electricity/National-Electricity-Market-NEM/Planning-and-forecasting/Renewable-energy-target
