The path to Australia’s clean energy future is clear and it’s time to grasp the opportunity as the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) releases its 2022 Integrated System Plan (ISP), says Greenpeace Australia Pacific.
© Dale Cochrane / Greenpeace
Under AEMO’s plan outlining a 30-year roadmap of investments for the National Electricity Market (NEM), more than $12 billion of investment in new transmission lines should begin “as urgently as possible” to transition to a grid dominated by renewables, rather than coal, gas, and oil [1].
Glenn Walker, Greenpeace Australia Pacific senior campaigner, said AEMO’s ISP shows a renewable boom must lead Australia’s “rapid and irreversible energy transition”.
“The most authoritative forecasting of Australia’s National Electricity Market urges investment to accelerate the energy transition away from dirty coal and gas. This is no time for half measures. The pathway to renewable energy is clear and the Albanese government cannot be distracted by diversions via new gas developments.
“Many of Australia’s biggest companies like Rio Tinto, Woolworths, and Optus are recognising the pace of the energy transition and moving to get ahead of the game and power their operations with renewables. Those failing to do so must act urgently in order to grasp the enormous opportunity.
“Australia’s biggest energy company and climate polluter AGL must get with the program. It’s time for the company to act on its recent mandate and appoint new board members that will steer it into a brighter and greener future.
“This means aligning with the AEMO ISP’s scenario that all Victorian coal-burning power stations must close by 2032 – this includes AGL’s Loy Yang A which is currently slated to close by 2045, well out of step with AEMO and the rest of the market.”
The Albanese government’s ‘Powering Australia’ policy to ensure renewables make up 82 per cent of the National Electricity Market (NEM) by 2030 aligns with the ISP roadmap.
