The Future of Australia's Federal Renewable Energy Law

This article presents a critical analysis of Australia’s federal renewable energy law. Its operation as a system of tradeable renewable energy certificates is briefly explained, before an analysis of the future of the Renewable Energy Target beyond 2020 is undertaken. The implications of the Federal Government’s recently abandoned National Energy Guarantee and the subsequent decision not to expand or extend the Renewable Energy Target are discussed. The article presents an international comparison which demonstrates that Australia’s national support for renewable energy is unambitious in relative terms. It argues that in several respects, Australian federal renewable energy law must be extended to address important issues that are presently receiving little legislative or political attention.