Energy transition is happening globally and in Australia and Germany. It is occurring in response to rapidly changing technology costs and as countries move to implement policies in line with the Paris Agreement goals. This transition poses policy and technological challenges. If managed well, it can also deliver great economic opportunities in both Australia and Germany.

Insights about the implications of the global energy transition for Australia and Germany that have become evident from the Energy Transition Hub’s work. A series of papers have been published by the Energy Transition Hub to share these insights.

This paper focuses on issues around the rapid deployment of renewables in Australia as an essential part of a cost-efficient transition to a net-zero emissions economy.

In this report, the Australian-German Energy Transition Hub presents a range of scenarios in which Australia uses its extensive renewable resources to: i) secure a reliable and cost-effective domestic electricity supply; ii) avoid CO2 emissions, leading to carbon neutrality by 2050; and iii) move beyond domestic supply to become a first mover and supplier in future global markets of green hydrogen. The scenarios are simulated in four energy-economic models of complementary scope and detail.

This is one paper in a series of four as part of the Energy Transition Hub's Synthesis Reports.