The need for net-zero emissions

The importance of net-zero emissions stems from the urgent need to address the negative impacts of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These emissions, primarily from burning fossil fuels, contribute to the warming of the Earth's atmosphere, leading to more frequent and severe weather events, rising sea levels, and loss of biodiversity. Such changes pose threats to food security, water resources, and the stability of ecosystems.

GHG emissions are closely linked to air pollution, which poses significant risks to human health. Exposure to air pollutants has been associated with a wide range of health problems, including respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular diseases to name a few. By transitioning to net-zero emissions, we can drastically reduce air pollution and improve public health.

Australia's net-zero emissions target

Australia has set a goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. This ambitious target involves overcoming various challenges, including the nation's heavy reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to cleaner energy sources. 

To achieve this goal, Australia is implementing various policies, technologies, and initiatives, such as increasing renewable energy capacity, promoting electric vehicles, and investing in carbon capture and storage.

Every Australian state is contributing to the overall goal by committing to individual net-zero targets. This will mean that all emissions produced within Australia are covered by state targets set out to reach net zero by 2050. The majority of state governments also have interim targets to perform corrections if necessary in accomplishing the final target.

Each state has or is developing measures to get there. For example, the New South Wales government recently announced a new hydrogen strategy, offering $3 billion in incentives to companies developing green energy projects.

The benefits of achieving net-zero emissions

Achieving net-zero emissions offers numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits. Environmentally, it helps mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, thereby curbing global temperature rise and minimising the devastating impacts of extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts. 

Economically, transitioning to a low-carbon economy presents opportunities for job creation, innovation, and sustainable growth in sectors like renewable energy and green technology. Socially, it leads to improved public health by reducing air pollution, and fosters greater energy security and independence.

Examples of successful net-zero emissions projects and initiatives include Denmark's commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030, which has led to a surge in wind energy capacity; Costa Rica's decarbonization plan, which promotes reforestation, clean transportation, and renewable energy; and New Zealand's implementation of the Zero Carbon Act, targeting a net-zero carbon economy by 2050, resulting in investments in sustainable agriculture and green infrastructure.

The role of ACCIONA Energía in achieving net-zero emissions

ACCIONA Energía is deeply committed to driving sustainability initiatives and pursuing a net-zero future. The company has been carbon neutral since 2016 and is continually working towards its climate change targets and principles. As part of its commitment, ACCIONA builds and operates renewable energy assets that significantly contribute to greening the electricity mix, an essential step towards a net-zero emissions future.

Not only does the company build and maintain renewable energy assets that generate clean energy, the company also helps other businesses reduce their carbon footprint. This can be in the form of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), which is a long-term contract between an electricity generator and a customer. These contracts allow corporations to procure electricity directly from renewable sources, thereby reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to the global climate change solution. By providing access to renewable energy through PPAs and our projects, ACCIONA Energía enables other corporations to make their sustainability goals possible.

With over 500 contracts established, the company serves a diverse range of sectors, including transport, telecommunications, infrastructure, industry, consumer goods, and health services. Notable clients include Google, Unilever, General Mills, Kellogg's, Bosch, Coles Supermarket and Viva Energy.

ACCIONA Energía enables companies to reduce their carbon footprint by supplying them with 100% certified renewable energy. There are several reasons why businesses might consider entering into a PPA. Corporate sustainability and procurement leaders can opt for various methods to achieve their clean energy targets.

The team of experts can guide you in making the optimal energy decision to fulfil your sustainability objectives while also helping you mitigate market volatility risks and decrease your electricity expenses.

Another example of how ACCIONA helps organisations take that next step to decarbonise is evident in our collaboration with the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). As the Sustainability Partner, ACCIONA helped the NGV to implement sustainability initiatives that include renewable energy supply for all aspects of NGV’s exhibition, building, and collection operations. This partnership represents another local initiative that ACCIONA has undertaken to enhance sustainability and facilitate the journey towards a net-zero future.

By building renewable energy assets and collaborating with other businesses, ACCIONA Energía not only reduces its own carbon emissions but also inspires and enables others to do the same..

Renewable energy sources like wind and solar have become increasingly popular due to their numerous advantages, including:

• Managing energy expenses
• Minimising carbon emissions
• Aligning with environmental commitments like delivery of net-zero targets
• Ensuring a reliable power supply from renewable resources

To sum it up, achieving net-zero emissions is vital for a cleaner and more sustainable future. Australia's net-zero emissions target, along with the efforts of companies like ACCIONA Energía, represent important steps towards addressing climate change and fostering a greener economy. 

Learn more about renewable energy and other energy solutions like PPA's here.