The 2023 Electricity Statement of Opportunities (ESOO) report from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has revealed that the shift to renewable energy must be fast-tracked immediately.
Because of the continuous loss of dependability and predicted coal plant closures mentioned in the 10-year outlook study, clean energy projects in the pipeline must be activated as soon as possible.
In a news release, the Climate Council said these initiatives are critical for the sustainability of Australia’s energy grid.
On the positive aspect, the ESOO research revealed that Australia’s energy demands will be fulfilled reliably provided governments across the country, including New South Wales, keep their obligations.
“AEMO’s report shows that accelerating the rollout of renewable energy, storage, and transmission projects is key to fortifying Australia’s energy supply,” said Climate Councillor and energy expert Andrew Stock.
In addition to renewable energy sources like wind and solar, Stock emphasised the change also depends on enabling technologies like cutting-edge batteries and effective transmission lines that can deliver generated energy to locations where it is most needed.
“With a wealth of clean energy projects ready for implementation, Australia has no excuse for inaction. The consequences of maintaining our dependence on unreliable fossil fuels is a future fraught with climate and energy instability and risk,” he explained.
“By industry, governments and communities working together to accelerate renewables, storage and transmission, Australia will ensure its energy future is both clean and reliable,” Stock noted.
Meanwhile, Climate Council Head of Advocacy Dr Jennifer Rayner, stated the report leaves no space for complacency, and leaders must act now to fulfil their obligations to bring new, sustainable energy sources online.
“Clinging on to polluting fossil fuels will steer us into a climate and energy disaster – they are part of the problem now, not the solution. The only way through is to rapidly roll out clean, cheap renewable energy to power our homes, businesses and industry,” Dr Rayner remarked.
She underscored that a sustainable, reliable energy future for Australia is within our grasp, but she said “it takes more than promises: now we need the delivery.”
