The Victorian government has announced its aim to cut the state’s emissions by 75 per cent to 80 per cent by 2035.
To achieve this target, the government is investing in delivering zero-emissions transport, carbon storage, and emissions reductions in the waste sector.
The state’s target of 95 per cent renewable energy generation by 2035, renewable energy storage target of 6.3 GW by 2035 and offshore wind energy targets will also assist in reaching this target.
It also announced that all government operations are to be powered with 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2025.
The State Electricity Commissions (SEC) will also be re-established, driving further emissions reductions through $1 billion of initial investment into renewable, government-owned energy.
This investment will deliver 4.5 gigawatts of renewable power – the equivalent of Loy Yang A, according to the government.
“Victoria is continuing to lead the way on climate action in Australia with our target to reduce emissions by 75-80 per cent by 2035 and net-zero by 2045,” Minister for Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio said.
“Victoria has cut emissions by more than any other state since 2014 and we’re laying the foundation for more long-lasting change with significant investments in renewable energy such as bringing back the SEC.”
Earlier this year, the government enabled the Australian Energy Market Operator to begin early works on the Victoria-New South Wales Interconnector West project, which has the potential to boost the state’s import and export capacities with NSW by more than 1800 megawatts (MW).
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