Australia

What's new

• February 2026 update

The objectives of the energy transition in Australia are integrated with the federal government's commitment to climate neutrality in 2050 via an interim greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target of 43% by 2030 (based on 2005 levels) followed by 62-70% by 2035.

This is supported by the following national-level policies:

• Renewable Energy Target
  A requirement for 33 TWh of renewable energy generation every year from 2020 until 2030. This is transitioning into the Guarantee of Origin Scheme that retains the certification market without the explicit generation target.
• Capacity Investment Scheme
  Government auctions to underwrite 26 GW of variable renewable and 14 GW of dispatchable capacity by 2030.
• Safeguard Mechanism
  An emissions trading scheme covering the electricity sector and industrial facilities that emit more than 100,000 tCO₂e/year.
• New Vehicle Efficiency Standard
  An emissions trading scheme covering car manufacturers and requiring them to reduce their average car emissions below a target or face financial penalties.

In addition, various state governments have in place further GHG and renewable energy targets.

State	Relevant targets
Victoria	GHG emissions reduction targets: 28-33% by 2025 (legislated) 45-50% by 2030 (legislated) 75-80% by 2035 (legislated) Net-zero by 2045 (legislated)	Renewable energy targets: 40% by 2025 (legislated) 65% by 2030 (legislated) 95% by 2035 (legislated)
	Offshore wind targets: At least 2 GW by 2032 (legislated) 4 GW by 2035 (legislated) 9 GW by 2040 (legislated)	Energy storage targets At least 2.6 GW by 2030 (legislated) At least 6.3 GW by 2035 (legislated)
New South Wales	GHG emissions reduction targets 50% by 2030 (legislated) 70% by 2035 (legislated) Net-zero by 2050	Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap Support an additional 12 GW of new renewable generation capacity Support 2 GW of long duration storage by 2030
Queensland	GHG emissions reduction targets 30% by 2030 (legislated) 75% by 2035 (under review) Net-zero by 2050 (legislated)
South Australia	GHG emissions reduction targets 60% by 2030 (legislated) Net-zero by 2050	Renewable energy target 100% net by 2027 (legislated)
Tasmania	GHG emissions reduction target Net-zero by 2030 (legislated)
Western Australia	Government-only GHG emissions reduction target 80% by 2030 (committed)

Australia's mix of state and federal policies are intended to put Australia on the path towards net-zero by 2050. However, significant changes to Australia's energy infrastructure and processes are still required. The information provided is aimed at monitoring the progress of Australia's energy transition and how energy is produced and consumed in Australia.