Outlook for 100 percent renewable energy transition Australia 2050 by source
Australia’s renewable mix
The country has the natural resources and the climate to support various forms of green energy. Currently, most renewable energy is sourced from hydro, solar, and wind power. The generation capacity of solar photovoltaics has continued to increase. On the other hand, hydroelectricity production has been variable over the years, mainly due to drought. Wind power continues to be a robust renewable energy source for the country.
Is a transition to 100 percent renewable energy feasible?
The leading barriers to a renewable energy future are cost, intermittent supply, and geography. Upfront capital costs can be high, and this has been addressed in some way in the form of the Renewable Energy Target, as well as through specific state policies. In terms of wind and solar, the amount of energy generated can be unpredictable, although advancements in energy storage are reducing the impact of this. Transmission problems can also arise if the source of renewable energy is geographically distant to where the energy is required. While these barriers may delay the switch to renewable energy, continued policy changes along with technological innovations will go a long way in securing Australia’s renewable energy supply for the future.