Australia outlines sector plans within net-zero strategy

Highlighted sectors include transport, energy, and agriculture.

Australia has published its Net Zero Plan, which includes specific strategies for the electricity and energy, agriculture and land, built environment, industry, resources, and transport sectors.

"We know from experience, the opportunities for emissions reduction will vary across sector," reads part of the 121-page plan. "Our emissions to date have come from changes to land use and the growth of renewables in the electricity sector.

"But to reach our 2035 target, and net zero by 2050, every sector will need to play a stronger role. For some, the decarbonisation pathway will be more rapid because technologies are mature, cost-effective, and ready to scale (e.g. electricity and energy).

"Others face a slower and more gradual route because technologies are at an earlier stage of development or more barriers stand in the way (e.g. agriculture)."

Australia's 2035 target is to reduce the country's emissions by 62-70% on 2005 levels.

"Many sectors are dependent on the progress of others, particularly those reliant on the supply of renewable energy from the electricity and energy sector (e.g. transport, built environment)," the document notes further.

"Over the next decade, immediate gains will be felt quickest in electricity and energy sectors, largely through electrification. This supports transport and built environment emissions reductions.

"As we progress towards net zero, reducing emissions in hard to abate sectors like industry and resources, and agriculture, will become more important."

Plans for the different sectors include scaling Australia's clean energy supply; enhancing the role of land in a net-zero economy; improving the thermal performance of buildings; switching to alternative low-carbon fuels and inputs as they become available; increasing the use of carbon capture and storage; and innovating to expand cost-competitive transport technology options.