Story perspectives

Australia's Renewables Could Slash Electricity Costs by 2050

12/16/2025

Summary

Story summary

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) analysis finds electricity with 82% renewables could be about one-third cheaper than today’s wholesale costs.
By 2050, Australia’s main electricity market could run almost entirely on renewables without increasing costs.
Wholesale prices would be $91/MWh by 2050, down from the current $129.
CSIRO's analysis suggests using fossil gas for grid backup instead of green hydrogen to achieve net-zero emissions more efficiently.

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Story summary

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) analysis finds electricity with 82% renewables could be about one-third cheaper than today’s wholesale costs.
By 2050, Australia’s main electricity market could run almost entirely on renewables without increasing costs.
Wholesale prices would be $91/MWh by 2050, down from the current $129.
CSIRO's analysis suggests using fossil gas for grid backup instead of green hydrogen to achieve net-zero emissions more efficiently.