Australia's energy transition: Barriers and opportunities

Carbon reduction has become a focal point for governments and industries worldwide, and Australia is no exception.   Over the past decades, Australia has continued to bear the brunt of extreme weather events and the effects of a warming climate. The unprecedented frequency of these events is adding to the urgency of Australia’s decarbonisation efforts.‍

In response, the country’s energy transition is underway, with the traditionally coal-reliant energy sector shifting towards renewable energy sources such as solar and hydrogen. But critics argue that this is insufficient, and that policy to support the transition to net zero is lagging behind. The United Nations Sustainable Development Report 2021 ranked Australia last, out of 193 countries, for action taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tackle climate change.

Yet, Australia has seen high profile climate litigation cases and strong legal opinions compelling policymakers to board of directors to take action on climate change and climate-related risks. What is the roadmap for Australia’s decarbonisation journey? Where are the major roadblocks stifling Australia’s transition journey, and where are the country’s most immediate investment opportunities?

This 21 October, Eco-Business will be hosting a lively public dialogue bringing together leading minds across Australia for this important conversation on the way forward as the country charts a new energy future.

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