Opportunities and challenges for renewable energy in Australia

Abstract

Energy is one of the essential needs of a modern society. The scale of its use is associated with the quality of life that the energy users experience. The most available and affordable sources of energy in today's economic structure are fossil fuels. Consumption of fossil fuels, however, is associated with some serious environmental concerns including climate changes.

In Australia, fossil fuel is the main source for generating electricity. The pollution from coal-fired power stations is the main contributor to the problem of global warming. In 2004, for example, 91% of the amount of electricity generated in Australia came from fossil fuel power stations (74% from coal, 17% from gas) and the rest from hydro power stations. This is equivalent to about 200 million tonnes of carbon pollution.

The objective of this paper is to discuss the opportunities and challenges for solar and wind energy in Australia and their significant role in Australia's electricity supply.