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Australia backs COP28 renewables, energy efficiency vow

By AAP Newswire

Dec 3, 2023

Leaders at COP28 — More than 115 countries at COP28 have vowed to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. -AP

Australia has signed on to a pledge at the COP28 climate summit to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen says.

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Governments of 118 countries said in the United Arab Emirates at an annual United Nations climate meeting on Sunday that they would aim to double energy efficiency and triple renewable energy capacity within six years - something pledged in September by members of the G20.

"We know that renewables are the cleanest and cheapest form of energy - and that energy efficiency can also help drive down bills and emissions," Mr Bowen said in a statement, pointing out that other major energy exporting countries including the United States, Canada and Norway had also committed to the plan promoted by the summit host UAE.

Delegates from China and India did not back the pledge, which pairs the ramp-up in renewable power with a reduction in fossil fuel use.

"Australia has the highest penetration of rooftop solar in the world and has a plan to get to 82 per cent renewables by 2030 to deliver cleaner, cheaper and more reliable energy," Mr Bowen said.

He said for emissions to go down around the world, a big international push was needed.

"Australia has the resources and the smarts to help supply the world with clean energy technologies to drive down those emissions while spurring new Australian industry," he added.

with AP and Reuters

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press