In 2014, the South Australian government set a target of 50 per cent of the state’s energy to be supplied by renewable sources by 2025 - this includes energy that comes from sun and wind-based sources.
In the past year, it has been reported that 53 per cent of its energy is already driven by the above elements, hitting the state’s target almost eight years ahead of schedule.
South Australian Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis has said he is “very pleased with the results,” as well as “being pleased South Australia is leading the nation.”
South Australia’s renewable energy target began in 2009 with a goal of 33 per cent by 2020. Once again being ahead of schedule, this was extended to 50 per cent by 2025 when the originally goal was met in 2014.
The victory comes amid speculation that the increase, at this stage, is not reliable. However, Mr. Koutsantonis stands by the target saying it is a "good thing", which is doing great things for South Australia.
Renewable energy targets are set by states across the nation. The aim is to design a framework that ensures Australia uses more renewable energy, and in the process, reduces its emissions.
As a nation, the aim is for 23.5 per cent of Australia’s energy (the equivalence of 33,000 gigawatt hours) to come from clean sources, including wind, solar and hydro electric by 2020.
Additionally, the Clean Energy Council states that by Australia reaching renewable energy target’s, every Australian household will save up to $140 on electricity bills each year.
The Council has also said a focus on a renewable energy target will help create tens of thousands of Australian jobs. This will be made up of approximately 9700 jobs in large-scale technologies such as wind power and bioenergy and 8700 in household systems such as solar power and solar hot water.
Positive Actions
- Find out about your state or territory's renewable energy target
- Find out about Planet Ark Power, a new partnership that aims to speed the adoption of economically competitve solar and energy efficiency technology across Australian businesses and organisational rooftops
- Check out the Clean Energy Council's guide to installing Solar for Households
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