Overview
The Australian Government has set a climate target of reducing emissions to:
- 43% below 2005 levels by 2030
- Net Zero by 2050.
We contribute to meeting these targets by administering schemes to measure, manage, reduce and offset emissions in Australia.
Our schemes encourage renewable energy investment and use. This helps increase confidence in renewable energy markets.
Generating renewable energy
We provide incentives for renewable energy generation through our schemes:
- The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) offers small-scale technology certificates (STCs) for the installation of eligible small-scale renewable energy systems.
- The Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET) provides eligible power stations with large-scale generation certificates (LGCs) for electricity generated from renewable sources.
- The Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme credits eligible projects with ACCUs for reducing emissions, including by turning waste into renewable substitutes for fossil fuels.
Solar power
Solar panels convert energy from sunlight into electricity. In Australia, solar has made significant contributions to the grid and is crucial in our transition to a renewable energy future.
Rooftop solar
Householders and small businesses can claim STCs or get an upfront discount for the installation of rooftop solar panels.
Solar water heaters and air source heat pumps
Householders and small businesses can claim STCs or get an upfront discount for the installation of solar water heaters and air source heat pumps.
Solar power stations
Large-scale solar farms can claim LGCs for renewable electricity generated.
Wind power
Wind turbines use wind to generate electricity. Alongside solar, it is the cheapest source of large-scale renewable energy.
Small wind systems
Householders and small businesses can claim STCs for the installation of small wind systems.
Wind farms
Large-scale wind farms can claim LGCs for renewable electricity generated.
Hydroelectricity (hydro)
Hydro systems use moving water to generate electricity. Hydro is a cheap and efficient renewable energy.
Small hydro systems
Householders and small businesses can claim STCs for the installation of small hydro systems.
Hydro power stations
Hydroelectric facilities can claim LGCs for renewable electricity generated.
Bioenergy
Bioenergy is generated from agriculture, forestry or municipal waste. Bioenergy can help reduce waste and carbon emissions.
Biomass power plants
Biomass power plants can claim LGCs for renewable electricity generated.
Landfill gas generation method
Landfill facilities can earn ACCUs by combusting landfill gas from waste to produce biomethane.
Animal effluent management method
Piggeries or dairies can earn ACCUs by upgrading biogas from animal waste into biomethane.
Domestic, commercial and industrial wastewater method
Wastewater facilities can earn ACCUs by upgrading biogas from domestic, commercial or industrial wastewater into biomethane.
Increasing renewable energy use
Our schemes help increase renewable energy use in Australia by regulating the electricity sector and incentivising fuel switching.
Renewable energy liability
The Renewable Energy Target requires liable entities (usually electricity retailers) to buy and surrender a certain number of LGCs and STCs each year. This creates demand for the certificates, supporting the growth of renewable energy in Australia.
Industrial and commercial emissions reduction method
Industrial and commercial sites can earn ACCUs for reducing their emissions through the use of biofuels.
Land and sea transport method
Land and sea transport companies can earn ACCUs for reducing emissions through increased biofuel use.
Reporting on renewable energy
As well as schemes that directly and indirectly incentivise renewable energy production, our reporting mechanisms:
- provide transparency
- encourage corporate responsibility
- guide policy development.
Together, these reporting mechanisms support Australia's renewable energy sector.
National Greenhouse Energy and Reporting (NGER) Scheme
The NGER Scheme collects data on Australia's largest energy generating facilities. This helps demonstrate the role of renewable energy in the electricity sector.
Quarterly Carbon Market Report (QCMR)
The QCMR offers insights into Australia's carbon market dynamics. This includes supply and demand for renewable energy certificates through voluntary and compliance markets.
Corporate Emissions Reduction Transparency (CERT) Report
The CERT report invites the highest-emitting corporations reporting under NGER to showcase their voluntary commitments to emissions reduction. This includes investments in renewable energy.
Guarantee of Origin (GO)
The GO Scheme is being designed to track and verify emissions associated with hydrogen and renewable electricity made in Australia.