The Clean Energy Regulator’s latest report has found Australia’s uptake of renewable energy looks set to remain at record levels this year.
The Regulator’s Quarterly Carbon Market Report estimated the total delivered renewable capacity for the year was likely to match the record 6.3 gigawatts (GW) set in 2019.
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor said the rate of rooftop solar installation was exceeding expectations, with the Regulator now estimating 2.9 GW would be installed in 2020.
“Small-scale rooftop solar installations continued to grow during the pandemic, from 81,000 in the March quarter up to 82,400 in the June quarter,” Mr Taylor said.
“The report also confirmed the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) and Renewable Energy Target are expected to deliver 54.3 million tonnes of abatement in 2020, compared to 48.5 million tonnes delivered in 2019,” he said.
Mr Taylor said Australia was a world-leader in renewable energy uptake and the sector had continued to be a source of growth for the economy.
“Australians are continuing to embrace low emissions technologies, particularly in the form of rooftop solar PV, and we expect to see uptake to continue at record levels.”
“This is not only positive news for lower energy prices and the environment, but also for the economy with strong growth in rooftop solar PV this year creating an estimated 2,800 jobs,” the Minister said.
