A new report into Australia’s long-term energy reliability has delivered a scathing assessment of Chris Bowen’s renewables-only rollout.
According to the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) Electricity Statement of Opportunities, released today, scores of renewable energy projects are experiencing “commissioning delays” contributing to an extended supply crunch set to start by the end of the decade.
AEMO forecasts that new supply must be brought online before coal-fired power stations close otherwise all National Energy Market regions will experience “reliability gaps.”
To shore up reliability, AEMO has recommended that, “No single technology can provide all of these services, and a diverse mix of technologies will be needed to maintain reliability through the transition.”
AEMO singled out the role of gas in meeting Australia’s energy needs, finding that, “In addition, gas generation can play an important role in supporting reliability during extended periods of low wind and solar output.”
Shadow Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Dan Tehan said the Albanese Labor Government’s Net Zero agenda was risky and unaffordable.
“Labor’s energy experiment is already pushing up power bills by around 40 per cent and now we’re facing an energy supply cliff as we approach 2030,” Mr Tehan said.
“AEMO is just the latest energy watchdog to call out the staggering delays hitting Chris Bowen’s renewables-only rollout.
“Critically, this report recommends that a diverse energy mix is needed, identifying a key role for gas in providing supply – this is precisely what the Coalition’s plan for State Energy Deals aims to address.
“AEMO has made it clear that Australia needs a diverse mix of technologies to power our nation. This latest warning shows Chris Bowen’s ideological renewables-only approach is a growing danger to our energy supply and getting cheaper power.”
Earlier this month, it was revealed under Freedom of Information laws that, as at 15 June 2026, nine mystery Capacity Investment Scheme projects had collapsed, while just 35 of the 94 announced projects under the green subsidy program had been contracted.
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Media contact: Phil Connole M | 0417 063 605