Legal Imperatives and Regulatory Mechanisms for Sustainable Energy Development: A Comparative Analysis of Renewable Energy Policies in Australia and China

Abstract

This thesis conducts a critical examination of the legal frameworks and regulatory mechanisms governing the renewable energy sector, focusing on the alignment of policies and incentives with sustainable industry development internationally. It compares Australia's and China's approaches to renewable energy legislation, highlighting Australia's heavy reliance on fossil fuels and China's pioneering legal measures. Australia's Renewable Energy Target (RET), Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) are evaluated, along with state-level initiatives. China's Renewable Energy Law (REL), Wind Power Concession Program, and the Mid-and Long-term Development Plan for Renewable Energy (MLDP) reflect its strategic legal positioning. The comparative analysis elucidates fiscal strategies, investment mechanisms, and grid integration issues, revealing differing approaches to government intervention and market-driven solutions. The thesis proposes enhancements to Australia's policy framework, emphasizing the need for grid modernization, intergovernmental coordination, investment in domestic manufacturing, and legal reform to ensure a robust, sustainable, and self-sufficient renewable energy sector.