Accelerate the Process of Replacing Coal-Fired Resources with Renewable Energy and Provide a Clean and Stable Energy System

The Clean Energy Council says the Australian Energy Market Operator's (AEMO) Integrated Systems Plan (ISP) 2022 confirms the urgent need to accelerate the transition to renewables and energy storage, replace coal-fired power stations and provide a more reliable grid to protect customers from Subject to high and fluctuating electricity prices.

Customers will be the ultimate beneficiaries of implementing the clear and transparent roadmap laid out by the 2022 ISP.

"AEMO expects a net market gain of $28 billion, which will be passed on through cheaper electricity bills," Thornton said.

The 2022 ISP outlines the need to build 141 gigawatts of large-scale wind and solar capacity, 63 gigawatts of storage and hydropower capacity, and 69 gigawatts of small-scale solar and household batteries by 2050 to maintain reliability and keep prices down. This means a 9-fold increase in large-scale renewable energy generation installed in the national electricity market and a 5-fold increase in small-scale generation.

Kane Thornton, chief executive of the Clean Energy Council, said: "The message is clear that Australia needs to bring more clean, low-cost energy powered by renewables into the system, and it is urgent to do so."

"Australia is in the midst of an energy crisis caused by unreliable coal production and a malfunctioning global fossil fuel market. ISP makes it clear that reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is key to achieving Australia's energy independence. This is necessary to protect customers from The recent price surge caused the market to nearly crash.

"30% of coal-fired power generation goes offline also exacerbates the crisis. The 2022 ISP indicates that 60% of this unreliable and dirty power will be retired by the end of the decade, so we need to ensure that alternative renewable energy generation, storage and Transmission is under construction.

"The new transmission system will create a modern grid that will ensure clean electricity flows from renewable energy projects to customers. Complemented by storage and coordinated investment in renewable energy, will help maintain supply to consumers while reducing what we currently see risk of near-term price shocks."

ISP recognises that Australian households will continue to play a key role in this transition, with rooftop solar providing five times as much renewable energy capacity by 2050.

"To smoothly integrate energy for Australian consumers into the grid, we will need our solar and battery systems – and other equipment – to be smarter and better able to communicate and respond to market signals. More grid storage will also have Contribution and integration."

The clean energy industry looks forward to working with AEMOs, market bodies and governments across Australia to ensure the policy and regulatory environment unleashes substantial investment to achieve the future outlined in the ISP and a lower cost, more reliable and cleaner energy system in Australia.