Australia has an opportunity to accelerate its renewable journey, and it will need strong partnerships and the collective smarts of the entire sector to make it happen.
With a pledge to reach 82 per cent renewable energy by 2030, the Federal Government’s plan reflects public sentiment and the realities facing the country. Yet ambition alone won’t deliver results.
Meeting this goal will require sustained investment, technical depth, systems thinking, and strong partnerships.
These are areas where Beca, one of Asia-Pacific’s largest employee-owned engineering and advisory firms, has built a trusted reputation over more than five decades in energy in Australia.
Turning will into delivery
The Federal Government has pledged to deliver cheaper, cleaner and reliable renewable energy to achieve that target of 82 per cent renewables by the end of the decade. And this is all possible with the right settings.
Australia is already on a rapid trajectory, with renewable sources expected to provide 48 per cent of electricity in 2025, up from just eight per cent in 2020.
“While there are challenges, such as delays in major transmission build-out, environmental planning and approvals, supply chain constraints and market capability and capacity, these are opportunities for innovation and growth, supported by Federal Government, State Government, private sector and community investment and collaboration,” Beca Business Director for Renewables, Harshal Patel, said.
To help address these challenges, the Federal Government has pledged an additional $2 billion expansion of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. The fund will seek to unlock $8 billion of additional investment in renewable and low emissions technologies, with a focus on grid infrastructure, energy efficiency, and industry capability
However, Patel believes more will be required.
“Further investment stimulus in the electrification of Australia projects is needed as the minimum capital investment to fulfil 2030 goals has been estimated at $20 to $40 billion per annum,” he said.
Concurrently, Australia’s electricity demand is forecast to increase 18 per cent by 2030, and to double by 2050. The electrification of industry, transport and heating, as well as growing demand from data centres, is a key driver.
“Replacement capacity is needed as Australia moves towards its post-coal era,” Patel said.
“Policies, regulations and funding at all levels of government need to be attuned to the capacity build out of renewable required to meet 2030 goals.”
Beca, with offices in six Australian cities and a 4500-strong team across the Asia-Pacific, is well placed to contribute. It has supported major energy and infrastructure projects in Australia for 55 years, offering design, environmental planning, technical advisory, and project delivery support.
“The transition won’t succeed on infrastructure investment alone,” Patel said. “Investment in market capability, capacity and community engagement and benefits are the priority.”
Education and workforce development must also keep pace. Meeting energy targets will require a deep pipeline of skills, from engineering to consultation and trades.
Beca’s employee-owned model and commitment to local partnerships, including work with Indigenous communities, help to embed projects in the places they affect.
Aligning energy and economy
The Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to renewable energy aligns well with the preferences of the electorate.
Research by ARENA found 76 per cent of consumers would choose products made with renewable energy, and 64 per cent would pay a premium for them. This reflects a growing alignment between environmental action and economic advantage.
Recent floods in Queensland, covering an area larger than Germany and France combined, illustrate the potential financial, societal and ecological costs. Australia has committed to reducing emissions by 26–28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.
“We cannot eliminate all emissions,” Patel said. “However, with significant reductions and cleaner, more efficient energy systems, we can create a future that is liveable for our children and future generations.
“If we can get close to the 2030 energy and emission reduction targets, the likelihood that Australia’s environmental longevity improves is significant.”
As Australia enters a critical decade, Beca is dedicated to supporting the energy transformation, and committed to being a trusted partner to the industry, working alongside government, private sector and community to make every day better.
For more information, visit beca.com