Investment in renewable energy projects in Australia has seen a staggering 50% decline over the past year, resulting in a loss of $4 billion and raising concerns about the Albanese government's clean energy targets. According to the Clean Energy Council's latest report, financial commitments for new renewable generation projects fell to a 10-year low of $4.4 billion in 2025. Jackie Trad, CEO of the Clean Energy Council, emphasized that this downturn threatens to stall progress in transitioning to cleaner energy sources, which is crucial for meeting rising electricity demand and avoiding price shocks as aging fossil fuel generators are phased out. The report highlighted that significant barriers, including planning delays and rising costs, are hindering investment. Opposition energy spokesman Dan Tehan criticized Energy Minister Chris Bowen for failing to address these issues effectively. Despite the challenges, Bowen defended the government's Capacity Investment Scheme, which aims to support new renewable projects. However, forecasts suggest that achieving the ambitious target of 82% renewables in the grid by 2030 may be increasingly unlikely, with estimates indicating only 60% may be reached.