Stationary Energy Plan

A ten year roadmap for 100% renewable energy

August 2011

Australia's first renewable energy roadmap

In 2010, Beyond Zero Emissions burst onto the scene with our debut report – the Stationary Energy Plan – showing how Australia could be repowered with renewables. Before then, no-one was talking about how to make the complete transition to 100% clean energy. Stationary Energy Plan shows that powering Australia with clean renewable energy is technically feasible and affordable, will improve reliability and can be completed within a decade.

Zero emissions is feasible - and affordable

Discover the technologies and costs to upgrade our electricity grid to clean renewable energy and how. Under the Stationary Energy Plan's road map, solar and wind could meet over 90% of our energy needs within a decade. Delivering the benefits of zero energy-related greenhouse gas emissions will also eliminate dependence on foreign oil imports - and strategically positioning Australia as a world leader in the emerging renewable energy economy.

Zero emissions is feasible - and affordable

Discover the technologies and costs to upgrade our electricity grid to clean renewable energy and how. Under the Stationary Energy Plan's road map, solar and wind could meet over 90% of our energy needs within a decade. Delivering the benefits of zero energy-related greenhouse gas emissions will also eliminate dependence on foreign oil imports - and strategically positioning Australia as a world leader in the emerging renewable energy economy.

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Industry leaders support this research

The technology is here, now we need the political will

Transitioning to a zero carbon future in Australia is achievable and economically feasible using the technology of today. The Stationary Energy Plan demonstrates that converting Australia’s energy sector to 100% renewable sources by 2020 is achievable using commercially available technology. Wind, solar, hydro and biomass resources can be combined with energy efficiency measures to adequately meet Australia’s projected future energy demand.

In 2010, we estimate the strategic investment of $37 billion per year required to transition Australia’s stationary energy sector to renewable sources, is equivalent to a stimulus of just 3% of GDP over 10 years. In the long term, however, the lower fuel costs of renewable energy recoup the upfront investments. Achieving the ten-year transition is well within Australia’s existing industrial capacity.

Adoption of this plan promises health benefits, long-term energy security, and significant economic benefits. Australia is ready for a zero carbon future. The challenge now lies firmly in the hands of decision-makers, who must put in place strong future-oriented policies that will allow this transition to occur.

This report was produced in collaboration with University of Melbourne – Energy Research Institute.
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Since 2010, our work changed the national conversation around what was possible for renewable energy, and inspired a flood of new research, including:

Further, most Australian states and territories have set renewable energy and zero emission targets and are well on their way:

"It is the first time that I have seen a plan that makes the possibility of zero emissions feasible and affordable."

Sir Gustav Nossal, AC, CBE, FRS, FAA

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Professor Emeritus of University of Melbourne and Former Australian of the Year

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