7 BENEFITS OF TRANSITIONING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY IN AUSTRALIA

The catastrophic effects of climate change are intensifying every year, impacting communities, economies and ecosystems globally. Australia has already endured its hottest decade on record (2011-2020), and extreme weather events such as bushfires, floods and droughts will only increase in intensity and frequency as our climate changes. Keeping global heating at 1.5°C is critical to protecting our future. As we confront these challenges, it’s become clear that our energy choices play a critical role in the climate crisis—but they are also key to the solution. To protect both people and the planet, we must rapidly shift towards a more renewable future—one where we end our reliance on fossil fuels and invest in clean, reliable and affordable renewables.

Renewable vs non-renewable energy

Renewable energy sources: Often referred to as clean energy, these sources are plentiful and constantly replenished. Unlike non-renewable sources like coal, gas and nuclear, once a renewable generation plant is built, its energy sources—such as wind and sun—never deplete. Examples include solar, wind and hydropower. The transition to renewables is already well underway in Australia, making up nearly 40% of our main electricity supply in 2024. This reflects positive strides in our clean energy journey, especially compared to 2017, when renewable generation was just 17% of the country’s overall electricity production.

Non-renewable energy: This type of energy is derived from finite resources that will eventually be exhausted. The primary forms of non-renewable energy, such as coal, oil and natural gas, are major contributors to global climate change. Currently, Australia’s energy needs are predominantly met by these fossil fuels, resulting in a carbon footprint that is disproportionate to our economic size and population. As one of the world’s largest fossil fuel exporters, we bear a responsibility that extends beyond our own borders to address this crisis. It must be central to Australia’s climate change policy.

Nuclear power is another technology that is sometimes confused as a renewable energy source. Although nuclear energy is not derived from fossil fuels and can provide low-emission energy, it is considered non-renewable as it still relies on uranium as a finite source that can be depleted. On a positive note, recent research by the Clean Energy Council found nearly 70% of Australians support the need to build more renewable energy projects. If you’re still unsure, here are just a few of the benefits that clean energy offers us, our precious wildlife and our beautiful country.

Key benefits of transitioning to renewable energy in Australia

1. Reducing the cost of living

Renewables are now the cheapest and most reliable form of electricity, even when backed with storage and network upgrades. The recent CSIRO GenCost 2025-25 draft report confirms this, finding renewables continue to have the lowest cost range of any new-build electricity generation technology, for the seventh year in a row. If it weren’t for renewables, Australia’s energy bills would be even higher, as failing coal plants and gas prices exposed to global events push prices up.

2. Nature can be better off

Done right, a rapid transition to renewable energy is far better for nature than continuing to burn fossil fuels. A global study by WWF-Australia found that projected risks are up to 76% lower for biodiversity, natural habitats, and ecosystems in a rapid transition to renewables scenario (WWF-Australia and Boston Consulting Group 2023). The extent to which the energy transformation is better and can produce outcomes for nature depends on how well we implement it. The widespread availability of solar and wind energy—especially in Australia—offers the flexibility to utilise previously disturbed lands and steer clear of sensitive areas. When managed strategically, with careful consideration of our land, oceans and wildlife, we can mend the historically fraught relationship between energy production and nature.

3. Job creation

The renewable energy sector has the potential to generate hundreds of thousands of jobs, driving economic growth in new industries. Unlike fossil fuel technologies, which rely heavily on mechanisation, the renewable sector is more labour-intensive. For instance, solar panels need installation by humans and wind farms need technicians for maintenance, among other roles. A joint report by WWF-Australia, ACF, ACTU and BCA, indicates that transitioning to a clean energy-driven Australian economy could add $100 billion in value and create over 400,000 green jobs. This means that, on average, more jobs are created for each unit of electricity generated from renewable sources than from fossil fuels.

4. Supporting First Nations

For millennia, First Nations have been caring for Country, and they will be central to—and benefit from—this transition, as outlined in the federal government’s recent First Nations Clean Energy Strategy. Despite contributing the least to human-induced climate change, Indigenous Peoples often endure the worst of its impacts. Many of these remote and regional communities face energy insecurity, with households experiencing frequent unplanned disconnections. A just renewable energy future can support First Nations with access to reliable and affordable electricity. It will also promote meaningful community engagement, opportunities for leadership, long-term career development and involvement in infrastructure projects on their ancestral lands. Embracing renewable energy provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to improve the lives of Indigenous Peoples while working together towards a shared vision for the future. First Nations Clean Energy Network is a network of First Nations, community organisations, land councils, unions, academics, industry groups, technical advisors, legal experts, renewable companies and others working together to ensure Indigenous communities share in the benefits of clean energy.

5. Increasing electricity reliability

Reliable and resilient energy is essential for the well-being of all Australians. It powers critical hospital equipment, supports communication, maintains safe temperatures and allows employees to carry out their work without interruptions. It’s a common misconception—often perpetuated by fossil fuel interests—that renewable energy cannot support a resilient electricity grid. However, increasingly frequent and intense weather events have exposed the vulnerabilities of fossil fuel infrastructure, emphasising the need for systems that can withstand and recover quickly from disruptions. The widespread geographic distribution of wind and solar mitigates the risk of large-scale outages caused by weather events, and they do not rely on water for electricity generation, making them less vulnerable during droughts and heatwaves.

6. Achieving energy independence

Non-renewable energy resources are often subject to price volatility caused by market fluctuations, geopolitical tensions and supply-demand dynamics. For example, the Russia-Ukraine war led to global increases in gas prices, which flowed through to energy bill increases in Australia. In contrast, renewable energy provides a path away from reliance on fossil fuel imports, enabling Australia to diversify its economy and shield communities from the unpredictable price fluctuations associated with fossil fuels. Furthermore, regional communities are already demonstrating how renewable energy can provide more secure energy through microgrids and other local energy sources, reducing the need to transport energy from far away.

7. Improving public health

WHO reports that around 99% of people breathe air exceeding safe pollution limits. This leads to more than 13 million preventable deaths each year from environmental issues, primarily fossil fuel-related air pollution. Both coal mining and natural gas drilling can also contaminate sources of drinking water, whereas wind and solar energy require minimal water for operation. Reducing pollution can lead to decreased rates of respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, ultimately improving public health outcomes while lowering healthcare costs for pollution-related illnesses. The benefits of a clean, renewable energy future extend far beyond the above. This shift brings Australia closer to a green economy that is not only low in carbon emissions but also resource-efficient and socially inclusive. Investing in renewable energy means investing in a brighter future for all Australians, both now and for generations to come. Nature powers our lives. Protect it for tomorrow.