The Australian government has announced a new energy-saving program that will provide households with three hours of free solar power per day. The initiative, known as the Solar Sharer scheme, is set to launch next year in select jurisdictions, including New South Wales and South Australia, with potential expansion to follow.

According to Energy Minister Chris Bowen, the program aims to make renewable energy benefits accessible to all Australians. “We want to see the benefits of renewable energy flow to all,” he stated in an interview with the national broadcaster ABC. The scheme will be available to all households, regardless of whether they have solar panels or batteries, as long as they have a smart meter and opt-in to the plan.

Australia has invested heavily in solar power, wind turbines, and green manufacturing, with the goal of becoming a renewable energy superpower. The country has seen significant adoption of solar power, with approximately 4.2 million homes, or roughly one in three, already having solar panels installed. The new program is expected to further encourage the use of renewable energy sources.

However, the announcement has been met with mixed reactions from industry stakeholders. Australian Energy Council chief executive Louisa Kinnear welcomed initiatives aimed at improving customer experience but expressed disappointment that the government did not consult the industry prior to the announcement. She noted that the change introduces a complex regulatory solution that delivers a customer outcome already being offered by many retailers.

Australia’s energy future has become a contentious issue, with the country seeking to phase out aging coal-fired power stations while ensuring a stable electricity supply. In September, the government pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70% from 2005 levels over the next decade. However, the country’s reliance on fossil fuel industries, particularly coal, poses a challenge to its green ambitions. As one of the world’s largest coal exporters, Australia’s efforts to transition to renewable energy will be closely watched. The success of the Solar Sharer scheme will be an important step towards achieving the country’s emissions reduction targets.