The development of commercially viable low or zero emission energy technologies is essential to achieving significant and affordable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Energy production is the primary source of Australia's emissions and Australia's current level of energy demand is expected to double by 2050. Clean energy technologies will play a critical role in moving to a low emissions future while meeting this increasing energy demand.
Clean energy technologies will contribute significantly to achieving Australia's 2050 target of a 60% reduction in greenhouse emissions on 2000 levels. These technologies can also position Australia towards continued economic growth from its natural endowments in coal, gas and renewable energy resources.
The Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism is the lead agency for clean energy technology development. The department is responsible for a range of initiatives that provide assistance for research, development and large scale demonstration of clean energy technologies. This includes the recently announced $4.5 billion Clean Energy Initiative (CEI).
The three components of the CEI initiative consist of:
The department’s broad range of clean energy technology initiatives will support the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and Renewable Energy Target in encouraging the development and deployment of clean energy technologies in Australia.
The Australian Government also provides support for energy technology development through a range of other measures, including: