Why Renewable Energy?
Why is renewable energy vital for Australia to become a Superpower in the decarbonised economy?
In any discussion about how Australia will achieve its Net Zero targets, renewable energy tops the list of priorities that must be implemented effectively to mitigate the impacts of Climate Change.
Renewable energy, also known as renewables and clean energy, are in simple words “Energy that is obtained from sources that are for all practical purposes inexhaustible (…). Contrast this with energy from sources such as fossil fuels, of which there is a finite supply which is exhaustible. ” – Oxford Dictionary.
Therefore, such sources don’t emit carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases that have proven to be significant contributors to the planet’s rising temperatures.
Carbon Dioxide and its effects on the environment
The critical threat from increased Carbon Dioxide is the greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere that would otherwise escape into space, causing average temperatures on the surface to rise. Global warming is one of the main symptoms of Climate Change.
There are good news out there too!
To date, Australia has committed to reduce green gas house emissions by 43% in 20230 and reach Net Zero by 2050 and to do so, the usage of renewable resources has been scaling up trough clean energy assets such as solar and wind farms, hydropower and storage.
Investments in such assets are critical, not just an environmental necessity, but a pathway to economic resilience. Australia is very fortunate to have wind and sun highly abundant throughout the year, which means that there are enough resources for the country to lead by example.
Our team volunteering at the Forktree Project in 2022. The project founded by Tim Jarvis is restoring tens of thousands of native trees and shrubs on the property, bringing back native animals, insects, and birds, and sequestering tens of thousands of tonnes of carbon.
Understanding renewable energy sources
Wind: By harnessing the power of wind through turbines usually located on hilltops or near the ocean, its motion spins an electric generator which produces energy.
Solar: Solar energy is produced from solar PV (photovoltaic) panels. The combination of heat and light from the sun creates electricity. In addition to Solar Panels (light) and Solar Thermal (heat), concentrating solar power (CSP) plants use mirrors to concentrate the sun’s heat, creating thermal energy.
Combining solar energy generation and battery storage is a great solution to store your clean, green, renewable energy 24 hours a day. Is excellent for the environment and even better for your pocket.
Hydropower: This renewable energy source generates power by altering the natural flow of a river or body of water. The force of the water turns the turbines and this generates electricity, which is then fed into the electrical grid to power homes and businesses.
The impact on the economy
Australia’s economy will experience job creation, innovative technologies and obviously the benefits of being a decarbonised country that will assist on the transition to developing nations. The transformation to renewables is not only, strategic yet necessary for a bright future.
ENDS.
