Australia has long been known to be a leader in renewable energy. In 2020, renewable energy accounted for almost 20% of the country’s total electricity production. This is a huge jump from previous years, with the number rising steadily since 2014. The increase can be attributed to a number of factors, such as the introduction of more efficient and cost-effective renewable energy technologies, increased investment in the sector, and government incentives. This article will examine the current state of renewable energy in Australia and discuss the implications for the future.
Renewable Energy Technologies in Australia
The main renewable energy technologies currently employed in Australia include solar, wind, hydro, and biomass. Solar energy is the most popular, accounting for nearly 11% of the country’s total electricity production in 2020. Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular in residential and commercial properties, as they are relatively easy to install and cost-effective to run. Wind energy is the second most popular form of renewable energy in Australia, accounting for around 4% of the total electricity production in 2020. Wind turbines are often located in remote areas, where they can take advantage of windy conditions to generate electricity.
Hydroelectricity and Biomass
Hydroelectricity is another key form of renewable energy in Australia, accounting for around 5% of the country’s total electricity production in 2020. Hydroelectricity is generated by using the power of moving water to generate electricity. In Australia, the majority of hydroelectric power is generated from dams in the Snowy Mountains. Biomass is the other major form of renewable energy in Australia. Biomass is derived from organic matter such as wood, agricultural waste, and animal manure, and it can be used to generate electricity or to produce heat. In 2020, biomass accounted for around 1% of Australia’s total electricity production.
Government Incentives for Renewable Energy
The Australian government has taken a number of steps to incentivise renewable energy production in the country. The government has implemented a number of tax incentives and financial subsidies to encourage investment in the sector. A number of state governments have also introduced renewable energy targets, which require a certain percentage of electricity to come from renewable sources. These targets have been successful in encouraging greater investment in the sector, and have helped to increase the amount of renewable energy being produced in Australia.
The Future of Renewable Energy in Australia
The future of renewable energy in Australia looks bright. With the government continuing to implement incentives and subsidies, the sector looks set to continue to grow. In addition, new technologies such as solar energy storage are becoming increasingly cost-effective and efficient, making them increasingly attractive investments. As the cost of renewable energy continues to fall and the technology improves, it is likely that Australia’s renewable energy percentage will continue to increase in the years to come.
Conclusion
In 2020, renewable energy accounted for almost 20% of Australia’s total electricity production. This is a huge jump from previous years and can be attributed to the introduction of more efficient and cost-effective renewable energy technologies, increased investment in the sector, and government incentives. As the cost of renewable energy continues to fall and the technology improves, it is likely that Australia’s renewable energy percentage will continue to increase in the years to come. This will be a major step forward for the country in its efforts to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.