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Energy touches every part of our lives. From work and education to travel and play, it is an integral part of our social fabric.
The way we harness energy has changed dramatically over time. And now, we’re seeing another significant shift in our energy story.
Today, we are coming full circle. We are again looking to the earliest sources – sun, wind and water. Enhanced by our technological advancements to generate clean, sustainable energy.
Why we are transitioning to renewable energy
Due to global emissions, the impact of climate change will affect all of us. Global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise when they need to be rapidly falling. And with the energy sector one of the biggest contributors to global emissions, the transition to clean, zero-emissions renewable sources is necessary.
The main source of Victoria’s emissions is burning fossil fuels – like coal, oil, and gas – for energy and transport.
Where Victorian emissions come from
In 2019, the energy sector accounted for 70% of Victoria’s emissions, while transport accounted for 25%.
Today, we still rely on coal for 60% of our electricity generation.
We recognise the urgency – a timely transition is crucial to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees.
Victoria's climate has changed
Our plan for change
Victoria’s Climate Change strategy is our roadmap to net-zero emissions and a climate-resilient Victoria by 2045. As part of this, the Energy sector emissions reduction pledge will accelerate Victoria’s transition to a clean and efficient energy future.
The pledge has a dual focus on:
- switching to clean-energy sources and uses (renewable electricity, hydrogen, cleaner gas and electric vehicles)
- managing energy demand, including through improved energy efficiency across the economy.
Our Victorian Renewable Energy Targets plan for 50% of our electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030. This will bring greener, more comfortable homes and buildings, reduce energy costs and grow emerging industries.
How we are transitioning
The transition is happening all around us. We are seeing:
- large-scale solar and wind farms and storage solutions, such as utility-scale batteries
- the retirement of increasingly expensive and unreliable coal-fired power stations as we move away from fossil fuels
- the pioneering of innovative energy sources, such as renewable hydrogen and offshore wind
- a wave of electrification is seeing us move away from gas in our homes to take advantage of lower prices and deliver more climate-friendly energy efficient homes
- new technologies that let people take control of their energy, such as rooftop solar, neighbourhood and household batteries and electric vehicles
- the delivery of new and upgraded energy infrastructure around the state ensures our clean energy is available to all.
Acting now also presents a golden opportunity for all Victorians. It means:
- jobs – both now and for future generations
- economic development through new sectors
- decentralisation of power – giving people more control over their energy and saving them money on their power bills simultaneously.
Along this journey, we will meaningfully engage with communities to bring the best ideas to the table – as we know that change must happen in a fair, safe and sustainable way.
And in the face of this period of rapid technological change in the energy sector, we’ll ensure our policy settings evolve to meet our objective of delivering a cleaner, cheaper and stronger energy system for all.
Page last updated: 11/05/23