The Renewable Energy Target comprises two schemes, the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target and the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. Together they provide market-based financial incentives to increase the contribution of electricity generated from renewable sources to Australia’s energy market. The Clean Energy Regulator is responsible for administering the schemes in accordance with the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 (the Act).

There is clear evidence that the Renewable Energy Target is meeting the objectives of the Act: additional generation of electricity from renewable sources, reduced emissions of greenhouse gases in the electricity sector, and generation of electricity from ecologically sustainable renewable energy sources.

The number of accredited renewable energy power stations has increased each year since the Renewable Energy Target began in 2001. Twenty-six were accredited in 2013, leading to a total of 394.

The number of small-scale systems installed under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme also continues to grow strongly. There were 238,769 validated small-scale systems installed during 2013 and Australia now has more than two million small-scale system installations.

The increased role of renewable energy generation is helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Estimates recently cited by the Climate Change Authority show that the Renewable Energy Target reduced Australia’s emissions by approximately 20 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent between 2001 and 2012.

The criteria for participation in the Renewable Energy Target ensure that renewable energy generators use energy sources that are ecologically sustainable. Recent years have seen substantial growth in emerging sectors that use energy sources such as landfill gas, as well as in more established sectors that use sources such as solar panels.

The administration of the Renewable Energy Target has achieved an extremely high level of voluntary compliance by liable entities. In 2013, compliance rates for 2012 liabilities were 99.98 per cent under the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target and 99.97 per cent under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.

The highlights section on the following page summarises some of the significant results for the year.

I am pleased to present the Renewable Energy Target 2013 Administrative Report. The structure and style of the report have been refreshed for 2013, to make information easily accessible and harmonise with the Clean Energy Regulator’s annual report. Technical terms are conveniently explained in a glossary and references are provided in the endnotes. I trust you will find the report enjoyable and informative.

Chloe Munro
Chair, Clean Energy Regulator