As Australia accelerates toward its 82% renewable energy goal by 2030, AGL, one of the country’s largest energy providers, is calling for bipartisan support to keep this momentum going. With political campaigns heating up, AGL’s CEO, Damien Nicks, emphasises that ambitious targets are essential, even if they seem challenging. But why is this push so crucial, and what do the numbers say?
AGL has been making strides in renewable energy, investing billions into 12 GW of wind, solar, and battery capacity to replace coal-fired generators. This is no small feat. With the closure of Loy Yang A, AGL’s final coal generator by 2035, the company is pivoting fast to cleaner sources. However, the energy transition needs strong and consistent policy support to ensure the required investments flow.
Australia’s energy mix already includes 40% renewables, but hitting 82% by the end of the decade is going to take a lot more than just market demand. The challenge? Building 10,000 km of transmission lines to connect renewable projects across the country and streamlining approvals, which are facing lengthy delays.
AGL’s position is clear: they need policy certainty to make decisions that will impact energy infrastructure for the next 15-20 years. With elections on the horizon, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has vowed to scrap the government’s renewable targets if his party wins. Instead, he proposes nuclear energy as a long-term solution.
But here’s the kicker: nuclear energy is estimated to cost up to $16 billion per plant and wouldn’t come online until 2040 at the earliest. That’s too late for Australia’s 2030 targets, and industry experts argue it would derail current progress.
With growing investment and billions already flowing into household and grid-scale renewables, Australia is moving toward its clean energy future—but it needs to stay on course. As AGL and other key players push for bipartisan support, the next steps will determine whether the country can hit its 82% renewable target on time.
At VoltaRocks, we see the urgency of this transition. Households are already playing a key role, installing solar panels and electrifying their homes. Our mission aligns with these broader goals, offering transparency and tools to help people reduce energy costs and emissions in their daily lives.
The data is clear: we’re making progress, but the path ahead requires both policy and technological commitment. With the right support, Australia’s renewable energy future is achievable—and households can be at the forefront of that change.
Source: AGL pushes for bipartisan backing on 2030 clean energy goals
