Australia is dominating the world of renewable energy. For the year 2019, renewable energy took up 21% of the country’s total electricity generation. 

Every year, massive expansions take place for solar, hydro, and wind energy. The numbers are continuously climbing.  We’ve listed several reasons why renewable energy is the future of Australia and why it looks promising.

Australia experience a sunny, Mediterranean-style climate all year round

According to Geoscience Australia, the Australian continent is among the few places on Earth that receive high solar radiation. 

There’s enough solar radiation that the country can potentially receive to accommodate all the households. Compared to the energy consumption of Australia every year, the possible amount of solar energy that they could receive is approximately ten thousand times larger. 

There’s a great potential that renewable energy can replace fossil fuel

As everyone knows, fossil fuel poses a significant threat to the environment. When burnt, it produces a substantial amount of carbon dioxide emissions. Not to mention, land degradation is also rampant because of the mining of fossil fuels. 

Australia’s consumption of non-renewable energy is still massive, but thanks to technology, there’s a gradual shift to more sustainable energy that takes place every year. It’s also mandatory for Australia to increase energy generation from renewable resources. 

Tech giants are willing to take the risk

Elon Musk, also known as the founder of Tesla and a man of genius innovations, collaborated with Neoen to further develop Tesla’s battery farm in South Australia.

Neoen is a leading company based in Paris that specialises in renewable energy. 

Even before the collaboration, Tesla and Neoen already made significant contributions to Australia’s renewable energy industry. 

Elon Musk took on the challenge of lighting up South Australia when they experienced a total blackout way back in 2016. 

Tesla succeeded earlier than the promised deadline. Meanwhile, Neoen built Hornsdale Power Reserve, a facility that stores energy from nearby renewable energy farms. 

With the combined resources, influence and knowledge from both tech giants, Australia’s future with renewable energy look more secure and attainable. 

Renewable energy is sustainable 

What makes renewable energy unique is its sustainability. Unlike fossil fuels,

The wind and sun don’t just simply run out. 

There’s a growing concern for the environment, and people are now more cautious of what they use and how they impact the world. 

Based on HP Australia and Planet Ark’s survey, 90% of Australian consumers aim to switch to a sustainable lifestyle. Solar panels are also in demand for people who decided to go off the grid. 

Less conflict with other countries 

The battle of resources remains to be a big problem for all countries. 

If the supply of fossil fuel in the future becomes scarce, a war might break out. Continuous development of renewable energy eliminates the risk of outsourcing energy supply from other countries. 

Australia has the upper hand as leading innovators of renewable energy. If Australia plays the cards right, it can attain complete independence when it comes to electricity.

Better quality of air

The truth is, it’s not a piece of cake to altogether leave fossil fuels out of the picture.

Coal is still one of the primary sources of energy in Australia. Sadly, fossil fuels are known to leave negative impacts on the environment. But thanks to renewable energy, it’s about to change. 

Solar and wind energy maximises the benefit of the resources without diminishing their quantity. When the time comes that most of the vehicles are running with the use of electricity, air pollution will tremendously decline. 

Low cost of renewable energy 

One of the common criticisms of renewable energy is its expensive technology. But it’s only one side of the truth. 

According to CSIRO’S report, solar and wind energy is still the cheapest energy source in Australia. The increasing demand and technological development of renewable energy made it possible. 

The initial cost of building and installing solar panels and wind turbines is still costly, but the cost of renewable energy compared to coal is still relatively cheaper. Bloomberg’s research showcases the wide gap in the cost of wind energy compared to gas and coal.

The average price of wind energy is approximately $80/MWh in Australian dollars. Meanwhile, coal energy is at $143/MWh, and gas energy is priced at $116/MWh.

Readily accessible

Renewable energy is a rapidly developing industry in Australia. Several investors willingly contribute to improving its technology. Government is also supportive of switching to renewable energy. 

There’s an existing Australian Government policy called RET (renewable target energy) that aims to increase electricity generation from renewable energy continuously. Due to those factors, Australian households are highly encouraged to make the big switch.

There’s enough space for solar panels and wind turbines

If Australia aims to reach 100% electricity generation from renewable energy, it will dedicate a massive land area to accommodate its electricity needs. 

Thankfully, Australia is a large continent and a very sunny location. Solar panels in residential areas are also usually placed on rooftops.

Wind turbines take up massive land space, but the good thing is, there’s a vast unused area that the community can use for something else. To compromise, some wind farms share their land space with cattle farms or vegetations. 

 Australians welcome the idea of renewable energy 

Australia is known as one of the largest exporters of fossil fuel, specifically coal. But despite that, they are also aiming for a significant change that is more sustainable and stable. 

The Climate Institute conducted a survey that showcases impressive results. According to their survey, 96% out of the sample size of 2660 Australians are in favour of renewable energy. 

The future is looking bright for Australia, and this time, it’s not because of fossil fuels. With combined efforts, enough funding and support, downright shifting to renewable energy is absolutely possible. 

The RET goal for 2020 took place earlier than expected. It’s the first step for more extensive changes in the country. It’s going to take time, and it’s going to be costly. 

Not to mention the amount of land that the government will use for various types of renewable energy. Despite the cons, renewable energy is undeniably more promising than fossil fuels.