A new report from the Climate Council has revealed a significant shift in Australia’s clean energy landscape, with Queensland transforming from a climate laggard to a solar leader in just a few years.
The report, titled “The Race to the Top,” compares the progress of Australian states and territories in various areas of clean energy adoption and climate action.
Outlined in the report, Queensland leads the nation in rooftop solar adoption, with panels installed on 50.2 per cent of houses, while South Australia, Tasmania, and the ACT are now powered by nearly 100 per cent clean electricity.
New South Wales boasts the highest rate of shared transport use, with 13.1 per cent of trips made via public transit, and Victoria excels in household electrification but lags in rooftop solar adoption.
However, Western Australia and the Northern Territory face criticism for ongoing gas project expansions.
“The amount of clean energy powering our homes and businesses has doubled in just six years. Our main national grid is often powered by at least 40 per cent renewables, and the states have been key to this progress,” Climate Councillor and former energy executive Greg Bourne said.
The report highlights significant advancements in rooftop solar, home batteries, and electric vehicle registrations across the country.
However, it also points out areas needing improvement, such as Western Australia’s low share of renewable electricity (17.6 per cent) and the Northern Territory’s continued support for new gas projects.
Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie emphasised the urgency of action.
“Most states have grasped that this is the critical decade, but there is plenty of work still to do. Our kids’ futures depend on the choices we make now, and there is no time to waste,” McKenzie said.
“Australia’s ‘race to the top’ on climate is bringing enormous opportunities, particularly for Queensland, which now leads the nation on rooftop solar and clean energy investment.”
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