QAZAQ GREEN. Australia has reached a historic milestone in its energy transition, setting a new record for renewable electricity generation while coal-fired power drops to its lowest share ever. According to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), coal accounted for less than 50% of the country’s total electricity generation in the final quarter of 2024—marking the first time this has occurred, ixbt reports.

This shift comes amid record-high electricity demand driven by rising temperatures and a growing number of consumers switching from gas to electric power. At the same time, solar power generation surged, with rooftop solar production rising 18% and large-scale industrial solar farms increasing output by 9%, both reaching record levels.

AEMO senior spokesperson Violette Mushaile noted that the combination of soaring solar generation and a decline in coal-fired power availability resulted in coal providing less than half of the total electricity supply in the National Energy Market (NEM) for the first time. Renewables, meanwhile, accounted for a record 46% of total generation, peaking at 75.6% on November 6.

The shift to renewables has also led to a record drop in greenhouse gas emissions. To further accelerate the transition, the Australian government recently announced an additional $1.2 billion in clean energy funding. Despite being one of the world’s largest coal exporters, Australia has committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

However, energy authorities warn that urgent action is needed to address challenges arising from the closure of coal-fired power plants. AEMO’s report indicates that wholesale electricity prices are expected to rise by 83% in 2024, largely due to high demand, reduced coal power availability, and transmission constraints.

Chris Bowen, Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy, emphasized that the data highlights the price volatility of unreliable coal power, whereas a higher share of renewables has helped lower wholesale energy costs. He also stressed the importance of new transmission infrastructure to maintain price stability.

Meanwhile, a recent report from the national science agency CSIRO found that nuclear power would be 50% more expensive than renewables and would take at least 15 years to develop the necessary infrastructure.

Australia, rich in coal, gas, and minerals, has long depended on fossil fuels for economic growth. However, the country is increasingly facing intense wildfires and prolonged droughts, which scientists attribute to climate change—further reinforcing the urgency of its transition to renewable energy.