The Australian government has signed on to a pledge at the COP28 Climate Summit to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, and to double energy efficiency.
At the annual United Nations meeting in the United Arab Emirates, the governments of more than 100 countries pledged to double energy efficiency and triple renewable energy capacity within six years.
Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen said Australia has the highest penetration of rooftop solar in the world and has a plan for 82 per cent renewables by 2030.
“Australia has the resources and the smarts to help supply the world with clean energy technologies to drive down those emissions while spurring new Australian industry,” Bowen said.
Director of Solutions for Climate Australia Dr Barry Traill, said that in a COP world gathering tainted by fossil fuel industry influence, Australia’s commitment to tripling renewable energy is a bright spot.
“Not only is this a sign of Australia pulling our national weight more in international climate negotiations, but delivery of this global commitment will be of immense benefit to Australians,” he said.
"The commitment to triple renewable energy and double energy efficiency is a nail in the coffin of the main cause of climate change - coal, oil and gas - but we need to pull out the nailgun.”