The renewable energy boom is accelerating in Australia, and across the world. In the absence of any meaningful Commonwealth government leadership, state and territory governments are leading Australia’s electricity transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy and storage.

Australia’s ageing coal power stations are unreliable and prone to breaking down in extreme weather events. There is no such thing as clean coal. No matter how “efficient” a coal-fired power station claims to be, it is always polluting. Australia must transition to clean, affordable and reliable renewables and storage.

This research found that Australia’s emissions are rising and projected to continue increasing without credible and comprehensive climate and energy policy. The authors also argue that Australia’s emissions reduction target is woefully inadequate to protect Australians from intensifying climate change.

This Climate Council roadmap outlines how Australia can cut its rising greenhouse gas pollution levels, while continuing the transition to clean, affordable and reliable renewable energy and storage technology.

Australia's love affair with clean energy and battery storage is only just beginning, with the nation on the verge of an energy storage boom, as the cost of lithium-ion batteries rapidly drops. Prices have dropped by 80% since 2010, and are tipped to halve again by 2025.