Federal energy minister Chris Bowen says he is not giving up on Australia’s 82% renewable energy target for 2030.
He warns, however, that big energy companies “need to get cracking” to deliver enough wind and solar projects on time.
The government is relying on its expanded Capacity Investment Scheme, now seeking 40 GW of new wind, solar, and storage, to meet the target.
Battery storage projects are moving quickly, with 16 new projects winning support in the latest CIS auction.
In contrast, large-scale wind and solar remain stalled, with no new wind projects reaching financial close in 2025.
In an interview on the Energy Insiders podcast, Bowen said the upcoming CIS generation tender could contract another 6 GW, using a fast-tracked process to speed delivery.
He criticises Queensland’s LNP government for extending coal lifespans and scrapping renewable targets, creating setbacks for the national transition.
The early closure of Rio Tinto’s 1,680 MW Gladstone coal plant underscores the urgent need for more renewable investment in the state.
Bowen defended the 2035 emissions target of 62–70% below 2005 levels as ambitious yet credible, aiming to give markets and investors confidence.
He calls on industry, business, and households to lean in, saying coordinated action is essential to meet targets and drive the clean energy transition.