Power bills could be about 60 per cent less in 40 years' time if energy efficiencies and low emissions technologies are taken advantage of, a new report suggests.
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CSIRO's Australian National Outlook compares two versions of the nation in 2060 - a scenario where economic, social and environmental challenges are tackled head on, and another where they are not.
Australia will enter a "slow decline" if the challenges are not dealt with, the report says.
The positive scenario is achieved through pulling policy levers in industry, urban planning, energy, land use and cultural shifts.
For instance, the energy policy levers include increasing efficiencies through technology and turning renewables into economic opportunities, such as exporting hydrogen.
The electricity grid could be almost entirely 100 per cent renewables by 2050, due to declining costs and market forces.
"Even with that transition to renewables, energy affordability increases," research leader James Deverell says.
"Households could be spending as much as 64 per cent less on electricity as a percentage of their income compared to today."
Australia could have 37 per cent renewables by 2060 and 'net zero' greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
In the alternative scenario Australia meets its international emissions reduction targets through the use of carryover credits, before pollution levels stagnate after 2030.
Looking to industry and economic growth, new technology should be embraced to boost productivity and employees should undergo education to keep up with technological change.
The third lever sees Australia finding new sources of economic growth, such as advanced manufacturing and low emissions energy.
Living standards could be 33-to-36 per cent higher and wages 90 per cent higher in such an outlook.
Asked about the report, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said he hadn't read it yet but that the government is always focused on reforms in the nation's interest.
The Coalition has been focused on spending record amounts on education and working with business to deliver better skills and apprenticeships, he said.
"So they're all noble objectives, they're things that the government is focused on."
The report includes input from more than 50 leaders of companies such as NAB, ASX, Shell, Red Cross, and Uniting Care.
It also flags major challenges for Australia in the future, namely disruptive technologies, changing demographics, the rise of Asia, social cohesion, climate change and loss of trust in institutions.
