Despite the alarming climate situation, Australia made significant strides in clean technology and energy transitions over the past year.

The Brisbane Metro is set to launch in early January 2025, introducing electric buses to all major Australian capitals, with 60 electric buses beginning operations on January 28.

The year 2024 was confirmed as the hottest on record, being 1.5 degrees warmer than pre-industrial conditions, which underscores the urgent need for effective global action on climate change.

Although electric vehicle sales only accounted for 10% of cars sold in 2024, the introduction of the National Vehicle Emissions Standard is expected to accelerate the transition to cleaner vehicles.

Looking ahead, the HumeLink transmission project is set to begin construction in 2025, which will enhance the national grid's capacity to support renewable energy.

By November 2024, Australia surpassed 4 million rooftop solar installations, with solar energy now contributing 18% of the country's electricity supply.

In 2024, Australia saw battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle sales surpass 100,000 for the first time, accompanied by an increase in public charging stations.

New South Wales has taken the lead by procuring the largest fleet of electric buses in Australia, currently operating 180 buses with plans for a dedicated electric bus depot by 2028.

Adelaide also joined the electric bus movement by launching its first electric bus in December 2023, while Perth and Victoria have expanded their electric bus fleets.

In a bid to produce cleaner steel, a new electric smelter proposal in Western Australia is expected to commence operations in 2028, utilizing hydrogen as a key component.

Investment in battery technology has surged, highlighted by Neoen's construction of a 238.5 megawatt battery in South Australia and the expansion of battery facilities in Western Australia.