by Australian Energy Council
Discussion paper: The energy transition and implications for transmission
The latest discussion paper in our series on Australia’s Energy Future looks at the implications of an economy-wide 55 per cent reduction in emissions by 2035 target and the transition to net zero for Australia’s electricity transmission networks.
It sets out the basic regulatory framework that applies to transmission in Australia and some of the consequences that arise from that approach, such as the need to have robust regulatory approval processes on behalf of consumers, given they are underwriting the investment.
The paper then focuses on building the transmission required to connect the large-scale renewable generators needed to progress Australia’s transition to net-zero. That some new transmission is required is not in doubt. But the continued support of consumers for the energy transition is predicated on building the system as efficiently as possible. This raises questions about how to determine what gets built and where, how it is funded and who should bear the risks of overbuilding or building in the wrong location.
Click here to read the full report.
Related Analysis
Consumer Energy Resources: The next big thing?
The Consumer Energy Resources Roadmap has just been endorsed by Energy and Climate Change Ministers. It is considered by government to be the next big reform for the energy system and important to achieving the AEMO’s Integrated System Plan (ISP). Energy Minister, Chris Bowen, recognises the key will be “making sure that those consumers who have solar panels or a battery or an electric vehicle are able to get maximum benefit out of it for themselves and also for the grid”. There’s no doubt that will be important; equally there is no doubt that it is not simple to achieve, nor a certainty. With the grid intended to serve customers, not the other way around, customer interests will need to be front and centre as the roadmap is rolled out. We take a look.
Australia’s workforce shortage: A potential obstacle on the road to net zero
Australia is no stranger to ambitious climate policies. In 2022, the Labor party campaigned on transitioning Australia’s grid to 82 per cent renewable energy by 2030, and earlier this year, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled the Future Made in Australia agenda, a project which aims to create new jobs and opportunities as we move towards a net zero future. While these policies have unveiled a raft of opportunities, they have also highlighted a major problem: a lack of skilled workers. Why is this a problem? We take a closer look.
Made in Australia: The Solar Challenge
While Australia is seeking to support a domestic solar industry through policy measures one constant question is how Australia can hope to compete with China? Australia currently manufactures around one per cent of the solar panels installed across the country. Recent reports and analysis highlight the scale of the challenge in trying to develop homegrown solar manufacturing, as does the example of the US, which has been looking to support its own capabilities while introducing measures to also restrict Chinese imports. We take a look.
Send an email with your question or comment, and include your name and a short message and we'll get back to you shortly.