The recent re-election of the Australian Government heralds an exciting chapter for renewable energy. Their pledge to continue delivering “cheaper, clean reliable renewable energy” and achieve 82% renewables by 2030 sets bold ambitions that can define the nation’s energy future.
In 2025, renewables are expected to supply a record-breaking 48% of Australia’s electricity - up from just 8% in 2020. While this progress is impressive, the road ahead demands tackling challenges environmental planning and approvals, supply chains, and market capability and capacity. The complexity of these tasks makes it clear that collaboration with experienced partners will be crucial.
Australia’s electricity demand is projected to increase by 18% by 2030 and triple by 2050 as industries electrify and data centres expand. Transitioning towards a post-coal era requires unprecedented replacement capacity alongside policies, regulations, and funding at all levels of government. Meeting these goals will necessitate $20-$40 billion in annual capital investment - a task too large for any single entity to tackle alone.
The Australian Government’s commitment to expanding the Clean Energy Finance Corporation with a $2 billion injection is a promising step forward. This initiative aims to unlock $8 billion in additional investment while upgrading grid infrastructure security and promoting energy-efficient technologies. However, further stimulus is essential to bridge the gap between ambition and execution.
Extreme weather events like Queensland’s devastating floods remind us why reducing emissions is non-negotiable and time-critical - not just for environmental sustainability but for economic resilience and community wellbeing. These events underscore the urgency of investing in cleaner systems that safeguard livelihoods while mitigating future risks.
Australia has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26–28% below 2005 levels by 2030 - a goal that hinges on bold action today. Exponential efficiency gains can emerge from laying strong foundations now; what we do today makes tomorrow easier.
Achieving these goals could significantly enhance Australia’s environmental longevity - a vital component given GDP relies heavily on nature through weather systems as well as food and water resources. Preserving biodiversity while fostering resilient systems ensures thriving communities - a positive outcome for society at large.
At Beca, we see this transition not as an obstacle but as an opportunity - to innovate, collaborate, and partner with our clients who are leading the energy transition. With over 55 years of experience in delivering major Australian energy projects, we bring unmatched expertise across every stage of the energy lifecycle. From planning through implementation, our team of 4,500 problem-solvers across six Australian cities work tirelessly to design solutions that are practical yet transformative.
We understand the urgency - and complexity - of achieving renewable targets under mounting pressures. That’s why partnering with Beca means more than technical excellence; it means aligning your vision with a trusted advisor who knows how to navigate challenges while delivering results that matter.
Finally, a message to the Australian energy sector: we now have a renewed mandate that presents an unparalleled chance to accelerate Australia’s renewable journey. Policies must remain focused on enabling industry leaders like Beca and other stakeholders to execute efficiently within tight timeframes. Together with strategic alignment we can make sure your vision becomes reality.
Harshal Patel is a chartered engineer with over 12 years of industry experience in transmission & renewables across Australia and New Zealand. As the Business Director for Renewables at Beca, Harshal leads the renewables and energy storage market in Australia, partnering with developers and contractors to provide engineering, environmental planning and technical advisory services across the development and delivery lifecycle of renewable energy, storage and transmission projects.
Harshal Patel
Business Director - Renewable Energy