The Smart Energy Council (SEC) views the Government’s latest Budget as cautiously positive for renewables, with important wins tempered by some difficult cuts. 

The SEC welcomes continued support for electric vehicle uptake and charging infrastructure, measures to streamline approvals for renewable energy projects, and strong backing for the Cheaper Home Batteries Program (CHBP). The battery program has already helped more than 390,000 households permanently reduce their energy bills and added more than 10 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity to the grid in just 11 months. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of EVs are now on Australian roads.

While the SEC welcomes these measures, cuts to the Battery Breakthrough and Solar Sunshot programs are a disappointing signal for investments in local manufacturing and critical energy infrastructure.

The Budget also represents a missed opportunity on heavy vehicle electrification. Recent instability in the Middle East has highlighted Australia’s reliance on imported diesel for freight transport. Accelerating the electrification of heavy vehicles would strengthen both Australia’s energy security and freight resilience.

Incoming Smart Energy Council Chief Executive David McElrea said the Budget showed the Government remains focused on reducing Australia’s exposure to volatile global energy markets.

“On balance, this Budget is positive for the renewable energy sector. We welcome continued investment in EVs, charging infrastructure and reforms to speed up renewable energy project approvals, but more work remains to be done,” Mr McElrea said.

“It has never been more important for Australia to decouple from volatile fossil fuel markets to strengthen our energy security.”

Key measures welcomed by the SEC include:

• Environmental Approval Reforms: Strengthening environmental outcomes through simpler, faster approvals backed by over $500 million of funding.
• National Charging Network: $40 million of continued funding to expand EV charging infrastructure, a necessary step in ‘Keeping Australia Moving.’
• Electric Vehicle Discount: Ongoing support for electric vehicles through the electric car discount.
• Dealership and Repairer Initiative for Vehicle Electrification Nationally Program: Expanding and extending the program. 
• Household Energy Upgrades Fund: Ongoing support for social housing to move to cleaner, cheaper energy and appliances.
• Cheaper Home Batteries Program (CHBP): Ongoing funding for the CHBP, that has benefitted 390,000 households and delivered over 10 gigawatt hours of storage to date.
• Consumer Energy Resources National Technical Regulator: Establishing a new framework to develop, coordinate and streamline regulation of rooftop solar, household batteries and vehicle-to-grid capabilities.
• National Solar Panel Recycling Pilot: Funding for recycling solar panels and establishing up to 100 collection sites nationwide.

These are all positive steps. However, the Smart Energy Council notes the Budget does not yet fully reflect the urgency of strengthening Australia’s energy security.

“Fossil fuels are now one of the biggest threats to Australia’s energy security. Every international conflict or supply chain disruption flows directly through to the bowser and to household bills, driving up the cost of power, groceries and freight across the economy,” Mr McElrea said.

“Diesel dependence is both a cost-of-living issue and a strategic vulnerability. We cannot afford to wait for the next global crisis before recognising that powering Australian freight with Australian renewable energy is the best path to long-term energy security and price stability.”

“Electric trucks are the future of Australian logistics, and our industry stands ready to move faster. A strong domestic renewable energy and electrified transport sector is how Australia builds a more secure, affordable and self-reliant economy.”

Media contact: Tim Lamacraft – tim@smartenergy.org.au – 0448 972 192