United States Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen met for the second United States-Australia Ministerial Dialogue on Clean Energy. The meeting took place alongside the G20 Energy Transitions Ministerial in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, on October 4, 2024.
The dialogue marked a year of progress since its first meeting. It aims to strengthen climate and clean energy cooperation as a key aspect of the alliance between the two nations. This initiative was initially set forth by leaders in May 2023 through the Climate, Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Transformation Compact (Compact) and reinforced by meetings between Prime Minister Albanese and President Biden.
The ministers discussed collaborative efforts to support clean solar supply chains by leveraging investments from both countries. They intend to conduct techno-economic market studies on the solar industry as part of this effort. These studies will involve collaboration between ARENA, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and the Australia-U.S. Clean Energy Industry Council.
Acknowledging economic opportunities from global clean energy transformation, both countries emphasized their significant investments in renewable energy industries through initiatives like the US Inflation Reduction Act and Australia's Future Made in Australia plan. They expect joint efforts under the Compact to assist Indo-Pacific partners with decarbonization goals.
The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to addressing climate change challenges by aiming for a predominantly carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. They also supported global goals such as tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.
Australia was announced as an international collaborator of the U.S DOE’s Long Duration Storage Shot™, part of the Energy Earthshots™ Initiative. Both countries plan to work towards innovative breakthroughs that reduce technology costs for long-duration energy storage.
Key initiatives under the Compact were discussed, including projects under the Net Zero Technology Acceleration Partnership (NZTAP) supported jointly by both governments. These projects aim to modernize grids for increased renewable energy integration.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between CSIRO and NREL will deepen technology R&D cooperation focused on clean energy sectors. Additionally, an MOU between U.S DOE and ARENA is expected this year covering various areas including renewable energy and First Nations Engagement.
Both nations intend to hold dialogues involving Tribal and First Nations Peoples in energy transition efforts later this month. Progress continues on establishing a U.S DOE attaché position in Canberra along with plans for an inaugural Australia-U.S Clean Energy Industry Council meeting in 2025.
Technical exchanges on trade, climate issues, emissions accounting methodologies, and emissions-intensity data are ongoing between Australian DCCEEW and U.S DOE officials as part of broader policy exchange commitments made last year.
Ministers highlighted annual senior official dialogues aimed at addressing shared challenges regarding energy supply chains while utilizing Compact Action Plans toward ambitious solutions.
