It’s Time to Get with the Program
In 2025, opposing renewable energy is no longer a mark of thoughtful debate. It is more like being a dinosaur watching the meteor approach and saying, “It’s probably just a passing cloud.”
The world has moved on. Clean energy is now mainstream, commercially viable and politically mandated. Continuing to argue against it is not just outdated. It is unproductive.
A National Turning Point
Australia’s recent federal election confirmed energy policy as a central national issue. Voters faced two distinct approaches, and the result delivered a clear mandate to accelerate the clean energy transition.
The government is investing in programs such as the Capacity Investment Scheme, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program and the Future Made in Australia policy—aimed at building energy resilience, supporting emerging industries and strengthening Australia’s position in a low-emissions global economy.
In contrast, the Coalition proposed removing or reversing key initiatives, including the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, vehicle efficiency standards, the Future Made in Australia package, the Rewiring the Nation initiative, the Net Zero Economy Agency, and tax incentives for electric vehicles, clean hydrogen and critical minerals. They also promoted nuclear energy without costings or an implementation plan. Independent analysts have raised concerns about the feasibility of this approach, especially given the declining cost of solar, wind and storage.
Net Zero: Will the Coalition Learn from the Election?
Following the election, significant internal tensions remain within the Coalition over climate policy, marking a new chapter in Australia’s climate debate.
Moderate Liberal MPs are advocating to uphold the party’s 2021 net zero commitment, while some Nationals are actively campaigning to abandon it. The Coalition is struggling to reconcile these opposing views on a globally accepted priority, raising concerns about its ability to present a cohesive and credible climate and energy platform.
Results Speak for Themselves
The election outcome reflects a strong public mandate for accelerating renewable energy and maintaining support for proven, cost-effective technologies. It also signals widespread scepticism toward nuclear energy, particularly in the absence of detailed plans or economic justification.
The World Is Moving On: A Global Mandate for Renewables
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stated that the world is on the brink of a clean energy breakthrough, with fossil fuels “running out of road.” This optimism is grounded in economics—over 90% of new renewable energy projects are now cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives. Solar is roughly 41% cheaper, and wind costs less than half.
This price shift is driven by mass adoption, China’s low-carbon manufacturing capacity and record global investment, which reached $2 trillion last year. That is $800 billion more than fossil fuels.
Guterres has called for urgent action, urging countries to prioritise renewables for energy security and cost stability. He pointed out the absurdity of relying on volatile fossil fuel markets when sunlight and wind are free from price spikes or embargos. He also challenged major tech companies to commit to 100% renewable electricity by 2030, particularly with the growing energy demand from data centres and AI.
As Guterres made clear, the game has changed. The global direction is clear and those still clinging to fossil fuels are being left behind.
Renewables Are Already Delivering
Australians are already leading the charge. More than 10 million people now live in homes with rooftop solar. On the Sunshine Coast, communities like Caloundra show that solar and battery systems are both viable and effective. The Sunshine Coast Council was the first local government in Australia to fully offset its electricity use with energy from its own solar farm.
These are not theories. They are measurable, local successes. Solar reduces bills, strengthens energy security and cuts emissions. These benefits appeal across demographics and political beliefs.
There Is No Perfect Technology
All energy technologies have challenges. Wind turbines must be decommissioned. Battery production has supply chain considerations. But clean energy is improving fast. Wind turbine blades are becoming recyclable. Solar panels are lasting longer. Batteries are becoming safer and more sustainable.
Fossil fuels, by contrast, remain high in emissions, exposed to global volatility and offer no credible pathway to deep decarbonisation.
The Real Opposition Isn’t About Evidence
Resistance to renewables is rarely based on data. It is often driven by ideology or vested interests. As Australia shifts to clean energy, industries dependent on fossil fuels face disruption. In response, they amplify rare issues, dismiss progress and push to delay the inevitable.
This does not protect communities. It protects profits.
Australia Cannot Afford to Fall Behind
Some sceptics may simply be out of date. That’s understandable. But in a world of easy access to data, real-world examples and global momentum, staying uninformed is a choice.
The energy transition is not about ideology. It is about science, economics and competitiveness. It is about preparing for the future—not clinging to the past.
Rejecting renewables today is like insisting on dial-up internet in a fibre-optic world. Or becoming the next Kodak or Blockbusters who were once global players, then rapidly irrelevant. Australia has too much to lose by standing still.
Let’s Go… and Leave the Dinosaurs Behind
The clean energy sector is thriving because it makes sense. It creates jobs, cuts energy costs, strengthens national resilience and supports global climate goals.
The future is already taking shape. Leaders, businesses and communities that step up now will be the ones who thrive. Those who hold back will be left behind.
It is time to move forward together. The dinosaurs are not coming with us. Renewable energy is not an alternative. It is the new foundation.
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