Delivering Net Zero and a Clean Energy Economy

Header description
Australia’s transition to net zero will require a rapid scale-up of renewable energy generation, transmission and storage, supported by enabling infrastructure and the decarbonisation of construction and transport.
Wind power plants

Summary: Infrastructure response and investment priorities

By 2050, renewable energy is expected to supply 98% of electricity in the National Electricity Market, requiring an extensive scale-up of wind, solar, transmission, and battery storage. Over the next 10 years, governments should consider investing in transmission networks, renewable generation, storage systems, and enabling infrastructure to ensure reliable energy delivery. 

Investments are also needed to decarbonise supply chains for building materials (such as steel and concrete), while supporting electrification of freight, public transport and private vehicles to reduce downstream emissions. Strong public-private cooperation and sustained investment over the next decade will be needed to secure clean, affordable energy and position Australia as a global leader in the net zero transition.

Table 25 identifies the highest priority proposals for Delivering Net Zero and a Clean Energy Economy to provide targeted solutions to address identified infrastructure constraints.

Table 25: Delivering Net Zero and a Clean Energy Economy: 2026 Infrastructure Priority List proposals 
 
10-year national priorities Location Investment timing
Enabling net zero and the renewable energy transition
Storage for grid stability and energy security and reliability
ACT renewable energy storage enhancement  ACT Investment-ready for Planning
Northern Territory remote community power generation program NT 2-4 year pipeline
Enabling infrastructure for REZ development
Enabling infrastructure for Renewable Energy Zones – Ports of Adelaide/Geelong to South-West REZ SA, VIC, NSW 2-4 year pipeline
Enabling infrastructure for Renewable Energy Zones – Port of Gladstone to Central Queensland QLD 2-4 year pipeline
Enabling infrastructure for Renewable Energy Zones – Ports of Newcastle/Brisbane to New England REZ NSW, QLD 2-4 year pipeline
Enabling infrastructure for Renewable Energy Zones – Port of Newcastle to Central-West Orana REZ NSW 2-4 year pipeline
Transmission networks to connect renewable energy with consumers
National Electricity Market connectivity QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS 2-4 year pipeline
North West Interconnected System connectivity  WA 2-4 year pipeline
South West Interconnected System connectivity WA 2-4 year pipeline
Delivering infrastructure for economy-wide decarbonisation
Enabling infrastructure for NSW Zero Emissions Buses – Future stages NSW Investment-ready for Planning
Enabling infrastructure for South Australia Zero Emissions Buses  SA 2-4 year pipeline
Whyalla industrial precinct enabling infrastructure SA 2-4 year pipeline