U.S. Secretary for Energy Jennifer Granholm and Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen held the second Ministerial Dialogue on Clean Energy on October 4, 2024, in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, during the G20 Energy Transitions Ministerial. This meeting highlighted a year of collaboration following their first dialogue, which aimed to strengthen climate and clean energy cooperation as a central part of the U.S.-Australia alliance.
During the discussions, both ministers emphasized the importance of creating clean solar supply chains. They acknowledged that both countries have made significant investments in their solar industries, which can complement each other. They plan to conduct techno-economic market studies on the solar industry, focusing on polysilicon processing and trade. This effort will involve cooperation between Australia’s Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), alongside the Australia-U.S. Clean Energy Industry Council.
The ministers recognized the considerable economic opportunities arising from the global transition to clean energy, aiming for net-zero emissions by mid-century. They pointed out that investments made through the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act and Australia’s Future Made in Australia plan present unique collaboration opportunities that could help shape a new global energy landscape. They expect their joint efforts will assist Indo-Pacific partners in their goals for decarbonization and diversifying supply chains.
They reiterated that addressing the climate crisis is an urgent challenge, committing to work closely towards achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. They reaffirmed their dedication to the Paris Agreement and acknowledged the need for rapid global deployment of clean energy technologies, aiming to support a global target of 1500 GW of energy storage by 2030. The ministers also discussed modernizing electrical grids to ensure reliable electricity delivery.
The U.S. welcomed Australia’s bid to host COP31 in 2026, highlighting the potential to accelerate global climate action and facilitate the transition to clean energy. Additionally, Australia was announced as a collaborator in the U.S. DOE’s Long Duration Storage Shot™, part of the broader Energy Earthshots™ Initiative. Both countries will work together to foster breakthroughs in long-duration energy storage technology, making clean energy more affordable and accessible.
Ministers outlined significant progress on key initiatives under their Compact, focusing on energy partnerships. They announced two projects under the Net Zero Technology Acceleration Partnership (NZTAP), which includes a program to improve grid security and reliability as more renewable energy sources are integrated. They are also collaborating on an assessment report regarding the integration of utility-scale batteries to address energy storage needs.
Further agreements include renewing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between CSIRO and NREL, which will deepen cooperation in clean energy technology research and development. They plan to sign a new MOU between the U.S. DOE and ARENA, which will facilitate knowledge sharing on various clean energy sectors.
The dialogue also mentioned engaging tribal and First Nations communities in the energy transition and continuing discussions on a U.S. DOE attaché position in Canberra. An inaugural Australia-U.S. Clean Energy Industry Council is set for 2025 to enhance business connections and expert collaboration in clean energy.
Ministers noted the significance of the annual Australia-U.S. Energy Security Dialogue and welcomed plans for the next meeting in the U.S. in 2025. They reiterated their commitment to using the Compact Action Plan to address shared challenges in energy supply chains effectively.
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