Record wind generation, increased battery use and greater adoption of electric vehicles also contributed to the decline. The government said renewable energy has helped reduce both emissions and energy costs, although significant cuts are still required to meet future climate targets.

Credits: PA;

BloombergNEF estimates Australia must reduce emissions by 71 percent by 2035 to meet its climate goals. While emissions continued to decline last year, analysts say deeper reductions will be needed over the next decade. Australia is considered a global leader in rooftop solar adoption, with renewable energy playing an increasingly important role in the country’s electricity mix.