World leaders including Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, attended the G20 Leader’s Summit in New Delhi to discuss joint responses to the most pressing global economic challenges – including major commitments to the world’s renewable energy transition.
G20 leaders discussed global measures to ease cost-of-living pressures, including free, fair and rules-based trade, enhancing supply chain resilience and shoring up food and energy security.
In its 2023 declaration, the G20 Summit committed to accelerating clean, sustainable and affordable energy transitions. It recognised the needs, challenges and unique national circumstances of different countries, and expressed support for international and national renewable energy efforts.
As part of these commitments, the leaders said that they would pursue and encourage efforts to triple global renewable energy capacity, while advancing cooperation initiatives to develop, demonstrate and deploy clean and sustainable energy technologies and solutions and other efforts for innovation.
Australia’s attendance at the G20 Summit allows it to work with the world’s major economies to shape solutions for the region and the world.
Climate change was high on the agenda, with Mr Albanese advocating for collective action and outlining Australia’s plan to become a renewable energy superpower.
Mr Albanese also met with Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, to discuss the importance of continued cooperation on respective energy transition commitments.
Mr Albanese said that he was honoured to join world leaders at the New Delhi G20 Leaders’ Summit across 9–10 September, hosted by Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.
“As we have seen, the global economic environment directly affects Australian households. That is why it’s crucial Australia contributes to global discussions on easing cost-of-living pressures,” Mr Albanese said.
“The G20 is such an important body. It represents 85 per cent of global GDP. And that’s why what happened here matters. That matters at home as well. Because we know that inflation is a global problem, and international engagement is part of the solution.
“Whether it’s climate change, energy, resources or supply chains, being part of these conversations means that Australia gets to shape the solutions.”
Mr Albanese discussed speaking at one of the sessions, a forum focused on accelerating climate action and reaching global net zero emissions together.
“It’s important to recognise there is no debate globally about the science of climate change. The science is settled.
“The debate at these forums is about what actions should be taken, and how the world can move forward together. I spoke with G20 leaders on the pace and scale of global energy transitions and on support for the development of clean energy markets.”
When asked about the relationship between gas and renewable energy in Australia’s energy transition, Mr Albanese said that gas would remain part of Australia’s identity as a reliable energy partner.
“Gas will play an important role in stabilising energy grids, as we move to more use of renewables.”
For more information on the commitments made by the summit, read the G20 New Delhi Leader’s Declaration.
