Analysis Australia’s accelerating transition to more renewable energy and commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 could see coal power retire three times faster than originally expected. This is the determination made by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) under its future energy “step change” model, which it argues is the most likely scenario for Australia to meet emissions reduction targets while maintaining sufficient energy capacity. The scenario, as outlined in AEMO’s Draft Integrated System Plan, was voted for after 18 months of consultation by stakeholders, including policymakers, consumers, and industry representatives. “Step Change sees a consistently fast-paced transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy in the NEM [national energy market],” the draft document states. Currently, coal supplies 63 percent of the energy generated in the NEM. But AEMO estimates that all brown coal and over two-thirds of black coal generation could be withdrawn by 2032, with all coal wholly eradicated …