Your quick guide to Australia\u2019s energy transition as we accelerate towards zero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Australia is undergoing a transition to a \u2018lower emissions future\u2019. This involves a multi-decade, large-scale transformation that will help change the way society sources, produces, supplies, distributes and uses energy. And it will help deliver a reduction in global emissions. Driven by the necessity to limit global warming from climate change, this transition involves everybody, from industry, government, down to individual households. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Australia has a goal to reach net zero emissions by 2050, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The largest aspect of the energy transition is the decarbonisation<\/a> of the power that gets generated and provided to our National Electricity Grid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Over time, the fuel sources of Australia\u2019s power will shift away from traditional, carbon-intensive ones, such as coal, towards renewable energy sources<\/a> such as solar<\/a> and wind<\/a>. This shift is happening right now, through various investments and programs. And critical to this, is getting the balance right to also ensure grid stability, giving consumers reliable and affordable power. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While solar, wind and other renewable technologies are becoming more efficient and industrial in scale, there’s still a reliance on traditional fuels to provide \u2018baseload\u2019 power, to ensure the grid operates effectively around the clock, for instance in times of peak demand and when supply of renewable power<\/a> is typically lower. This reliance will fall over time, as renewable power grows and technologies for energy storage improve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As some of the biggest users of energy, Australian businesses have an opportunity to help shift the needle towards net zero emissions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many businesses are already actively working to reduce the carbon emissions associated with their day-to-day operations. Those partnering with the Origin Zero team<\/a> are electrifying vehicle fleets<\/a>, installing on-site solar<\/a> and batteries<\/a> to reduce grid demand, and are reducing other carbon intensive practices from their operations through their energy choices.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Businesses are also using carbon offsetting to balance out their carbon emissions, opting in to plans such as \u201cOrigin Go Zero<\/a>\u201d, which is certified by Climate Active<\/a>, a government-backed carbon neutral certification program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Australian Government has set the nation\u2019s emissions reductions targets and are implementing ways to ensure the commitments are met. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At both federal and state government levels, legislation is being introduced to ensure better, more efficient energy usage and less carbon emissions from industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, the federal government has introduced the \u2018Safeguard mechanism<\/a>\u2019 legislation which compels Australia\u2019s largest carbon emitting businesses to meet pre-defined and continually lowering annual emissions targets, with penalties applying to those who fail to do so. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At a state level, for example, the NSW Government is introducing the Peak Demand Reduction scheme<\/a>, which incentivises households and businesses to reduce energy consumption during hours of peak demand through the use of energy-efficient technologies and appliances. For instance, powered cooling devices during summer. Each state government has differing programs in place which effect business and household energy users. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Australian Government has also established carbon trading markets where businesses which earn certificates (ACCUs<\/a>) for implementing sustainability projects, and can trade those certificates with other businesses to offset their carbon emissions. The government itself is an active buyer of ACCUs by way of \u2018abatement contracts\u2019, to provide financial incentives and create markets for private investment in renewable projects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Technology plays an enormous role in Australia\u2019s energy transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Energy storage is one technology that, as recently as a decade ago, wasn\u2019t possible at large scale. However, large scale battery technology is advancing as well as becoming more affordable for businesses looking to store energy on-site for use either in an emergency or when electricity demand and prices are high. Many businesses are now combining on-site solar with battery solutions, generating energy when the sun is shining and storing it for future use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electrification is another important aspect of the transition. If electricity, generated from renewable sources, can replace traditional fuels as a power source, we can further decarbonise significantly. Electric vehicles<\/a> are a prominent example, the growth of which will transform our entire transport system. This technology is likely to extend beyond just road vehicles and, in time, offer opportunities to other forms of transport, on land and sea, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Digitisation and the smarter use of technology are also helping make Australia more energy efficient. Devices such as Power Factor Correction<\/a> units can measure business energy supply and demand in real time, more accurately matching intake with required need and eliminating wastage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a leading Australian energy company with operations spanning retail, power generation and natural gas production, as well as a major employer with a footprint in many communities across the country, we recognise we have an important role to play in the transition to a low emissions future<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the steps which Origin has taken is the recent decision to bring forward the closure of coal generation at the Eraring Power Station<\/a>. Closing the country\u2019s largest coal power plant is a demonstration of Origin\u2019s commitment towards leading the move toward a net zero Australia<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We provide energy to millions of Australian households and businesses, and these customers are at the heart of everything we do. The needs and expectations of our customers are changing, and our products and services will need to evolve to address those future needs. We will achieve this through innovation, increasing lower carbon energy options<\/a> and increasing the renewable energy assets<\/a> in our generation portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For our large business customers, the\u00a0Origin Zero team<\/a>\u00a0can help businesses on their journey<\/a> towards net zero through partnership, leadership, and end-to-end tailored solutions. We have a range of products and services<\/a> to help your business lower carbon emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat will happen to the energy grid?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What can business energy users do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What role does government play?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What role does technology play?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Origin’s role in the energy transition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n