Australia’s annual greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by 1.6 per cent over the year to March 2026, driven by solar and wind generation displacing coal and gas across the national electricity grid.
According to the latest Quarterly Update of Australia’s National Greenhouse Gas Inventory, national climate pollution dropped by 7.5 million tonnes to an estimated 455.6 million tonnes.
The electricity sector led the decline, recording a 3.7 per cent, or 5.6 million tonne, reduction in emissions.
The fall coincided with record output from renewables and strong growth in energy storage capacity.
Data from the Clean Energy Regulator highlighted a milestone June quarter, which saw over 1 gigawatt (GW) of rooftop solar installed alongside 1.8 GW of large-scale solar reaching final investment decisions.
Fugitive and stationary energy emissions also declined by a combined 1.7 million tonnes, supported by reduced underground coal mining, oil and gas extraction, and natural gas venting.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the figures validate the economic and environmental strategy of transitioning to renewables.
“The latest quarterly update is further proof that what’s better for the planet is better for your pocket; more of the cheapest form of new energy, more storage to back it up, and lower emissions as a result,” Bowen said.
Bowen noted that federal initiatives, such as the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, have helped support over four million household solar systems and half a million home batteries nationwide.
He added that the government’s Capacity Investment Scheme will further entrench these cuts by underpinning an additional 26 GW of wind and solar generation backed by 14 GW of clean energy storage.
Transport emissions rose slightly by 0.2 per cent due to increased domestic aviation and diesel road transport.
However, the rise was tempered by declining petrol consumption as drivers transition to electric vehicles under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, keeping transport pollution below its late-2024 peak.
