Is a sustainable future achievable?

Definitely. European countries, including Germany and the UK, have been leading by example, showing the world that it is indeed possible to switch to 100 per cent renewable power in a manner that is both viable and realistic.

How do renewable energy projects impact the economy?

Large scale renewable energy projects create long-term employment. As at 15 March 2019, more than 13,000 Australians were employed in the large-scale renewable energy sector, with this number expected to climb. Not only are these new jobs crucial to rural communities, but their positive flow-on effect is felt through local supply chains.

Why are we talking about renewable energy now?

Due to environmental, health and safety concerns, there are plans to shut down the operations of Australia’s ageing coal-fired power stations. To cope with the potential shortfalls in energy capacity associated with these closures, and to ensure energy security for future generations, new forms of modern, cleaner energy sources are urgently needed. For this reason, both State and Federal governments have announced initiatives to encourage investment into the development of renewable energy projects.

What is renewable energy?

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency defines renewable energy as that which is produced using natural resources that are constantly replaced and never run out. Just as there are many natural sources of energy, so too are there many renewable energy technologies that produce heat or electricity. These include solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, bioenergy and ocean energy. Renewable energy production is complemented by storage technologies that enable production by day and night, such as batteries and smart technologies that predict when and where electricity will be required.