The Coalition’s Plan: Slowing Australia’s Renewable Revolution

The Coalition’s nuclear energy policy envisions a future rooted in outdated energy concepts, prioritizing baseload power and traditional fuels like petrol, diesel, and gas. This approach drastically curtails the growth of renewables, leaving Australia reliant on fossil fuels and centralized utilities while reducing the role of rooftop solar in the energy mix.

According to Frontier Economics’ modeling, large-scale solar capacity would barely double by 2050, with growth slowing to a trickle after 2025. The outlook for wind energy is even bleaker, with no plans for offshore wind and only minimal onshore wind installations. Clean Energy Council CEO Kane Thornton warns this approach signals to investors that Australia is no longer open for renewable energy innovation.

By restricting rooftop solar and large-scale renewable growth, the Coalition’s plan drives more Australians to purchase power from large utilities like Hong Kong-owned ElectricityAustralia. This shift would likely result in higher energy costs and reduced control for consumers, limiting the financial benefits of solar energy adoption.

Australia’s world-leading rooftop solar industry, with over four million installations and growing by 300,000 systems annually, faces significant setbacks. Under the Coalition’s nuclear plan, rooftop solar systems could be switched off daily to make way for inflexible nuclear energy. Thornton calls this a “disaster” for solar households, as it undermines their ability to lower power bills and contribute to clean energy generation.

By 2050, the Coalition’s plan projects renewables to contribute just 49% of the energy mix, with nuclear accounting for 38%. This contrasts sharply with Australia’s current renewable momentum, driven by a $40 billion investment in large-scale projects since 2020. Experts highlight the risks of stalling this progress, which could have widespread economic and environmental consequences.

The Coalition’s promises to scrap offshore wind zones and revoke federal contracts for renewable energy projects pose a significant risk to investor confidence. With billions already invested in Australia’s renewable future, these measures could deter further investment, affecting jobs, regional communities, and the transition to clean energy.

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Australia’s renewable energy transition hangs in the balance. By prioritizing innovation and sustainability, we can continue leading the global clean energy movement.