SUPPLY chain dependencies and fragmented policy settings are constraining progress towards greater renewable energy generation, new research reveals.
As global commitments towards net-zero emissions by 2050 intensify, hidden challenges in the Australian context have been revealed as part of a study by researchers from Adelaide University and Flinders University.
The study noted issues including grid limitations could undermine long-term energy security.
“Australia has a unique opportunity to become a global leader in renewable energy, but this will require coordinated action across government, industry and research sectors,” said Dr Naresh Gupta from Adelaide University’s College of Business and Law.
“Rather than focusing solely on energy generation, the research calls for a more integrated approach that combines technological innovation, infrastructure development and policy alignment.”
Key recommendations include strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity, investing in grid resilience, improving coordination between government and industry, and building more sustainable supply chains.
The study, published in Australasian Journal of Environmental Management, highlights Australia’s transition is vulnerable due to its reliance on global supply chains for critical materials and technologies.
“The biggest risk to renewable energy is not generation, it is the supply chain behind it,” said Dr Gupta.
Professor Indra Gunawan from Flinders University said Australia had made “significant progress in solar and wind energy, supported by abundant natural resources and growing investment”.
“However, structural challenges remain, including reliance on imported technologies, grid integration constraints and uneven regional development,” Professor Gunawan said.
“Addressing these issues is essential not only for meeting climate targets, but also for strengthening energy security and long-term economic resilience.”
The research draws on a review of academic and industry studies, guided by frameworks including energy transition theory and sustainable supply chain management.
It is said to provide practical direction for policymakers and industry, calling for integrated, long-term strategies that align energy, industry and supply chain policy, alongside investment in local manufacturing, innovation and workforce capability.
“Renewable energy is no longer just an environmental priority, it is central to Australia’s economic and energy future,” Dr Gupta said.