CEC Says Transmission Delays and Planning Bottlenecks Holding Back Clean Energy Progress

A new report from the Clean Energy Council (CEC) has found there is a continuing slowdown in wind and solar investment in Australia with the nation risking missing its target of 82% renewables by 2030.

The CEC found that issues such as red tape have led to weaker investment in new renewable energy and storage projects for the second consecutive quarter in 2025.

The Council reported that only $520 million of new large-scale solar and no new wind farms reached financial close in the second quarter, falling well short of the pace required to hit Australia’s 2030 renewable energy target.

Well Below Target Levels

The CEC’s quarterly investment report found that the total amount of renewable energy generation financially committed in the first half of 2025 was only a third of the annual pace required to replace aging coal and meet the nation’s renewable energy target.

Acting chief policy and impact officer Anna Freeman said that, while the pipeline of clean energy projects remains strong, many are being held back by delayed transmission projects and extended planning and environment assessments—obstacles the CEC believes governments, regulators and market bodies need to address as a priority.

“The federal election in May created a great deal of political and policy uncertainty that has been unhelpful to energy investors trying to make very large investments in assets that will be in operation for decades to come,” Ms Freeman said.

“International and local investors are ready to invest in Australia, but assessments need to be faster, clearer and more predictable to unlock projects.”

Government Action Needed

The CEC and other agencies suggest governments need to step up.

While the International Energy Agency (IEA) has commended Australia’s progress in clean energy under the Albanese government, it also pointed out the need for continued efforts to achieve the 2030 clean electricity target.

The IEA noted that, while Australia’s clean energy sector is experiencing strong growth, it is also facing a number of challenges in 2025.

With ambitious goals and supportive policies in place, the IEA sees continued focus on investment, planning and addressing potential roadblocks as crucial for Australia achieving a successful clean energy transition.