The Australian Government has unveiled its 2035 emissions target alongside a comprehensive Net Zero Plan, marking the next stage in the nation’s climate strategy.
The new goal commits Australia to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 62-70% below 2005 levels by 2035, advancing the country’s trajectory toward net zero by 2050.
The announcement is a dual effort to cut emissions and position Australia as a leader in the global clean energy economy.
The Climate Change Authority provided independent advice under the Climate Change Act 2022, which the government fully adopted in setting the target range.
Officials described the goal as ambitious but achievable, noting that Australia already has many of the technologies needed, such as solar, wind, and battery storage, while leaving room for further ambition as innovation accelerates.
Supporting policies include the Safeguard Mechanism for industrial emissions, the Future Made in Australia clean energy strategy, the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, and household-focused programs like the Cheaper Home Batteries initiative.
The Net Zero Plan
The Net Zero Plan lays out a framework for a fair, efficient, and economy-wide transition. It identifies five national decarbonisation priorities:
- Clean electricity across the economy
- Electrification and efficiency improvements
- Expansion of clean fuel use
- Acceleration of new technologies
- Scaling up net carbon removals
The plan emphasizes that all sectors, industry, transport, energy, and agriculture, must contribute.
To support this, the government is investing in industrial decarbonisation and clean technology manufacturing, EV charging infrastructure, the energy sector and households and businesses to improve energy performance.
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The Electricity and Energy Sector Plan is central to the transition, targeting 82% renewable electricity by 2030. It outlines three key shifts:
- Use energy more efficiently to reduce overall demand
- Electrify and fuel-switch to cheaper, cleaner sources
- Scale clean energy supply to power homes, businesses, and industry reliably
With initiatives such as the Capacity Investment Scheme and Rewiring the Nation, Australia is working to secure an affordable, reliable, and equitable clean energy system as the foundation of its net zero pathway.
