62-70% target fails credibility test

“A strong NDC is where the interests of climate and industry align. Our trading partners are already demanding cleaner supply chains. If we fall behind, we don’t just miss climate goals, we lose jobs, investment, and markets,” Ms Lee said.

In 2022, more than 50 manufacturers and developers backed our analysis showing 81% cuts by 2030 were achievable by deploying proven technology. Today, with cheaper renewables and stronger pipelines, we should be well beyond that by 2035.

“This target is also a climate failure. It signals complacency at a time when every tonne of carbon matters,” Ms Lee said.

“What matters now is delivery: electrifying our industrial assets, building transmission and storage, and locking in clean power for smelters, refineries, and manufacturers. That’s how we protect existing jobs and grow new ones.”

BZE is unique in focusing on deployment - testing solutions with business and industry, mapping regional readiness, and showing how projects can actually get built. This evidence proves Australia can move faster and with greater confidence than government targets suggest.

“Regional Australia is where national targets succeed or fail. With the right sequencing and investment, regions like the Hunter and Central Queensland can stay industrial powerhouses in a zero-emissions world. Without it, we risk losing them,” Ms Lee said.

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Media Contact:

Michelle Lee
Communications Manager
‍michelle.lee@bze.org.au or 0432 398 850