A recent report by WWF-Australia warns that the nation’s bid to be both a renewable energy superpower and a major fossil fuel exporter is putting its economic future at risk. This dual energy strategy is sending mixed signals to investors and trading partners just as countries across the Indo-Pacific accelerate clean energy investments.

Analysis prepared by Cyan Ventures for the report estimates Australia could lose up to $70 billion in fossil fuel export value by 2035 as global demand shifts. Yet, findings show Australian governments still provide an estimated $20.1 billion a year in support to fossil fuels, compared with just $4.6 billion for renewable energy.

“Australia is pulling in two directions at once,” said Rob Law, WWF-Australia’s Senior Manager, Energy Transition. “We can no longer afford to position ourselves as a renewable energy partner while simultaneously propping up and expanding fossil fuel production.”

Key Takeaways from the Report:

• Shifting Global Markets: Major trading partners like China and Korea are rapidly investing in clean energy to reduce exposure to fuel price shocks. Indo-Pacific clean energy investment is now roughly double that of fossil fuels.
• Undermining Future Industries: Continued support for fossil fuels drains the capital, policy attention, and infrastructure needed for future sectors like green iron.
• Fading Demand: Australia’s LNG exports and Asia’s LNG imports both fell in 2025. Metallurgical and thermal coal demand in China, Japan, and India could decline within five years and fall by up to 69% by 2050.

WWF-Australia’s Renewable Exports Manager, Camille Malbrain, warns that Australia risks being left behind. “This is a lose-lose strategy. Australia will be outpaced and less competitive in emerging green industries and tied to increasingly uncertain fossil fuel markets,” she said.

WWF’s Proposed Energy Security Strategy:

The report calls on Australia to secure its prosperity by adopting a strategy that:

1. Plans for the inevitable decline of fossil fuels.
2. Builds and accelerates the renewable and electrified energy systems needed to replace them.
3. Redirects policy and investment towards a managed, economically beneficial transition.

Download the full report: HERE

Visit their website and see some of the other actions you can take to help protect our planet and wildlife:

Choose Nature : Urge the government to halt new fossil fuel approvals and support communities transitioning to a renewable energy future.

We All Need Trees : Add your voice to the campaign calling on Australian decision-makers to end native forest logging and protect vital ecosystems.

Protect Aussie Wildlife : Help advocate for stronger environmental legislation to secure real protections for over 2,000 threatened Australian species.