Albanese tells Murdoch conference Australia risks being left behind on renewables
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has told an energy conference hosted by Rupert Murdoch’s Newscorp that Australia must move towards renewable energy or risk being left behind.
In a speech to the Future Energy summit, the prime minister outlined his vision to transform the country into a “renewable energy superpower”.
Australia has immense potential thanks to an abundance of sunshine and wind and the availability of minerals critical to creating the infrastructure necessary for renewable energy.
Albanese also noted the importance of gas in the energy transition and said it would support the electricity grid during low renewable periods.
Although the country’s transition to renewables has lagged behind other nations, the PM said the government’s commitment to reduce emissions 43% by 2030, and hit net-zero by 2050, was an improvement.
With debate over the existence of climate change largely subsided, Albanese said the country can move towards energy that is cheaper and more sustainable.
Unions, energy, and environment groups have called on the government to provide a $100 billion clean energy package to support Australia’s low-carbon technology manufacturing base.