Electricity generation costs would be up to 50% higher if Australia stuck with coal and gas only

The sun rises over the Capital Wind Farm near Canberra. Research by Griffith University shows Australia’s electricity prices would have risen even higher since 2021 without renewable energy. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AP

The cost of generating electricity would be up to 50% higher today if Australia had relied solely on coal and gas instead of pursuing renewables, according to new analysis.

Right-leaning politicians and climate deniers have seized on the 30% increase in electricity bills since 2021 to call for new coal-fired power plants to replace renewable projects, claiming it would bring down energy bills.