WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT TO WISCONSIN: Backed by strong government support, Australia offers significant opportunities for Wisconsin companies to apply their expertise and expand into a dynamic and fast-growing market.
Australia is making big strides toward clean energy.
In 2024, renewable energy sources provided 40% of the electricity generated throughout Australia, up from 39.4% in 2023, according to the report Clean Energy Australia 2025, issued by the Clean Energy Council.
It was a record year for investment in large-scale renewable energy projects, with $9 billion AUD ($6.5 billion USD) worth of financial commitments, up from $1.5 billion AUD ($1.1 billion USD) in 2023. The big increase reflects Australia’s stronger economy after several years of high inflation, and an “improving policy landscape for clean energy in Australia,” the report said.
Wind was the largest source of renewable power in 2024, at 13.4%, but solar energy was rapidly gaining ground, and represented 11.2% of the clean energy produced. Rooftop solar is “the driving force of Australia’s clean energy transition” in terms of capacity added, as it has been since 2019, the report said.
The number of solar installations on the roofs of homes and businesses hit a big milestone in 2024, with more than 4 million units now installed across the country. Those units produced more than 25 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity in Australia—exceeding the combined output of the country’s coal-fired plants. Solar accounted for 31% of all renewable energy generated and 12.4% of electricity generated overall. In addition, 14 large-scale solar projects were commissioned in 2024.
Australia has the world’s highest solar generation per capita—more than six times the global average—according to Ember Energy Research.
Australia’s government has set a target of 82% renewable electricity by 2030. This goal is backed by strong federal and state-level support, including grant programs and funding initiatives such as Clean Energy Finance Corporation, National Reconstruction Fund, and Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
Australia’s renewable energy assets—including solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, and hydrogen projects—are developed, owned, and operated by a mix of local and international players, including some of the world’s largest renewable energy companies, many of which have established a strong presence in Australia.
As of December 2024, 59 large-scale renewable energy projects were under construction with a combined capacity of nearly 10 GW. Of those projects, 39 were big solar farms, 18 were wind projects, and two were biomass.
In addition, 38 large-scale battery storage facilities were under construction in 2024, with a combined capacity of 8.7 GW.
Hydroelectric power continues to be a significant source of clean energy, representing 5.5% of the country’s electricity generation.
Also, Australia’s emerging hydrogen industry saw significant developments in 2023 and 2024, including the release of a 2024 National Hydrogen Strategy. The current project pipeline includes more than 100 hydrogen projects valued at $225 billion AUD ($161 billion USD).
Wisconsin companies involved in the clean energy industry may want to consider attending one of Australia’s clean tech events such as the Australian Clean Energy Summit, Australia Wind Energy, or All Energy Australia.
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