Energy in Australia • May 2013 Foreword

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Energy in Australia • May 2013 Foreword Energy in Australia May 2013 BREE 2013, Energy in Australia 2013, Canberra, May. © Commonwealth of Australia 2013 This work is copyright, the copyright being owned by the Commonwealth of Australia. The Commonwealth of Australia has, however, decided that, consistent with the need for free and open re-use and adaptation, public sector information should be licensed by agencies under the Creative Commons BY standard as the default position. The material in this publication is available for use according to the Creative Commons BY licensing protocol whereby when a work is copied or redistributed, the Commonwealth of Australia (and any other nominated parties) must be credited and the source linked to by the user. It is recommended that users wishing to make copies from BREE publications contact the Chief Economist, Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE). This is especially important where a publication contains material in respect of which the copyright is held by a party other than the Commonwealth of Australia as the Creative Commons licence may not be acceptable to those copyright owners. The Australian Government acting through BREE has exercised due care and skill in the preparation and compilation of the information and data set out in this publication. Notwithstanding, BREE, its employees and advisers disclaim all liability, including liability for negligence, for any loss, damage, injury, expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing, using or relying upon any of the information or data set out in this publication to the maximum extent permitted by law. 978-1-922106-79-7 BREE - Energy in Australia (print) 978-1-922106-80-3 BREE - Energy in Australia (pdf) 978-1-922106-81-0 BREE - Energy in Australia (word) Contributors: Section 1: Tom Willcock and Nhu Che; Section 2: Nhu Che and Kate Penney; Section 3: Clare Stark and Pam Pham; Section 4: Nhu Che and Tom Willcock; Section 5: Tom Willcock; Section 6: Nhu Che and Pam Pham; Section 7: Alex Feng and Martin Nguyen; Section 8: Pam Pham and Martin Nguyen; Section 9: George Stanwix and Alex Feng; and Section 10: Tom Willcock. Produced and compiled by Tom Willcock, Nhu Che and Caitlin McCluskey. Acknowledgement: Special thanks to Quentin Grafton for his valuable guidance and contributions. Acknowledgements to Wayne Calder and BREE and RET colleagues for comments on this report. Postal address: Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics GPO Box 1564 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone: +61 2 6276 1000 Email: [email protected] Web: bree.gov.au ii Energy in Australia • May 2013 Foreword Australia is blessed with abundant fossil fuel and renewable energy sources, which have helped our nation to achieve the high standard of living that Australians currently enjoy. These resources generated $77 billion worth of energy exports in 2011–12 while also providing Australian households and businesses with a secure, reliable and affordable domestic energy supply. Having quick and easy access to up-to-date information on the state of our energy sector is essential as we seek to smooth the way from traditional energy sources to new and sustainable technologies. In order to achieve this transition, the Australian Government has developed a policy framework based on rigorous analysis and data that promotes a secure, resilient and efficient energy system. As outlined in the Energy White Paper, released at the end of 2012, our policy priorities are to: (1) Develop better energy market outcomes for consumers; (2) Accelerate our clean energy transformation; (3) Develop Australia’s critically important energy resources; and (4) Strengthen the resilience of our energy policy framework. As Energy in Australia 2013 shows, Australia has a bright future with ample opportunities for growth. Investments, supported by a market-based policy framework, will ensure that Australia will maintain its’ pre-eminence among developed economies Energy in Australia • May 2013 iii as a major energy producer. Continued support for research and development means that we are projected to become a leader in the deployment of renewable energy technologies. In addition, ongoing support for energy efficiency initiatives by the Australian Government will help the private sector and households to reduce their electricity costs and improve energy productivity. I highly recommend Energy in Australia 2013 to all Australians. It provides a valuable ‘state of play’ as well as the facts and figures to help maintain a robust approach to achieving a clean, bright and secure energy future. The Hon Gary Gray AO MP Minister for Resources and Energy iv Energy in Australia • May 2013 Contents Foreword iii Data sources viii Abbreviations and acronyms ix Glossary xi 1. Overview 1 Energy production 1 Domestic energy consumption 3 Energy exports 7 2. Energy consumption 9 End-use energy intensity 10 Energy consumption, by energy type 13 Energy consumption, by sector 16 Energy consumption, by state 23 3. Electricity 25 Industry structure 25 Production 28 Capacity 33 Transmission 35 Prices 37 4. Clean Energy 46 Production 47 Clean energy development 56 Outlook 58 Energy in Australia • May 2013 v 5. Coal production and trade 63 Production 63 Trade 65 Prices 69 6. Gas production and trade 71 Production 71 Trade 75 Prices 78 7. Petroleum production and trade 81 Production 81 Trade 82 Prices 87 8. Liquid fuels refining 89 Production 89 Capacity 90 Fuel standards 92 Non-conventional liquid fuels 93 Prices 96 9. Transport and infrastructure 100 Energy consumption 100 Fuel efficiency 103 Port capacities 107 10. Energy Research and Development 110 Appendix 1—Current and proposed energy projects 114 Major electricity projects 114 Major new coal, oil and gas projects 117 vi Energy in Australia • May 2013 Appendix 2—Units, prefixes and conversion factors 121 General 121 Conversion between units of energy 122 Conversion factors 122 Energy content of gaseous fuels 123 Energy content of solid fuels 124 Boxes Generation costs in Australia 31 Solar energy in Australia 50 Unconventional gas in Australia 73 Non-conventional transport fuels in Australia 95 Energy in Australia • May 2013 vii Data sources The information contained in Energy in Australia 2013 is obtained from a number of BREE and other sources. Key amongst which are: Australian Bureau of Statistics—abs.gov.au Australian Energy Market Commission—aemc.gov.au Australian Energy Market Operator—aemo.com.au Australian Energy Regulator—aer.gov.au Australian Institute of Petroleum—aip.com.au Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics—bree.gov.au BP Statistical Review of World Energy—bp.com Clean Energy Council—cleanenergycouncil.org.au Clean Energy Regulator—ret.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency— climatechange.gov.au Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism—ret.gov.au EnergyQuest—energyquest.com.au Energy Supply Association of Australia—esaa.com.au Geoscience Australia—ga.gov.au Global Roam Pty Ltd—nem-review.info International Energy Agency—iea.org Ports Australia—portsaustralia.com.au viii Energy in Australia • May 2013 Abbreviations and acronyms ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics AEMC Australian Energy Market Commission AEMO Australian Energy Market Operator AER Australian Energy Regulator ARENA Australian Renewable Energy Agency BREE Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics CCS carbon capture and sequestration CSG coal seam gas EDR economic demonstrated resources ERA Economic Regulation Authority (Western Australia) ESAA Energy Supply Association of Australia IEA International Energy Agency LNG liquefied natural gas (principally methane) LPG liquefied petroleum gas (principally propane and butane) LRET Large-scale Renewable Energy Target NEM national electricity market NER national electricity rules NGL natural gas liquid hydrocarbons, other than methane, derived from the natural gas stream in separation and/or liquefaction facilities Energy in Australia • May 2013 ix OECD Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development OPEC Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries ORF other refinery feedstock R&D research and development RET Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism RET Renewable Energy Target SRES Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme STTM Short Term Trading Market (gas) x Energy in Australia • May 2013 Glossary Advanced biofuels: High energy drop-in liquid fuels derived from sustainable sources of organic matter that do not typically compete with food or feed production, for example, biofuels produced from wood residues, non-edible oilseeds or algae. Bagasse: The fibrous residue of the sugar cane milling process that is used as a fuel (to raise steam) in sugar mills. Biogas: Landfill (garbage tips) gas and sewage gas. Also referred to as biomass gas. Black coal: Hard coal with high energy content. In Australia, anthracite, bituminous and sub-bituminous coals are referred to as black coal. Brown coal: Has a low energy content (gross calorific value less than 17 435 kJ/kg) and high ash content. It is unsuitable for export and is used to generate electricity in power stations located at or near the mine. Also referred to as lignite. Coal by-product: By-products such as blast furnace gas (from iron and steel processing), coal tar and benzene/toluene/xylene (BTX) feedstock and coke oven gas (from the coke making process). Coal seam gas: Methane held within coal deposits, bonded to coal under the pressure of water. It may also contain small amounts of carbon dioxide and nitrogen. Also referred to as coal seam methane and coal
Recommended publications
  • Solar Energy Policy Setting and Applications to Cotton Production
    SOLAR ENERGY POLICY SETTING AND APPLICATIONS TO COTTON PRODUCTION JW Powell I JM Welsh SOLAR ENERGY POLICY SETTING AND APPLICATIONS TO COTTON PRODUCTION Report outline Executive Summary 5 1. Energy in agriculture 6 • Energy Use in World Agriculture 6 • Energy Use in Australian Agriculture 7 • Energy Use in Irrigated Cotton 8 • The feasibility and development of renewable energy sources for cotton 9 2. Energy Policy Setting 11 • Australian Government Renewable Energy Policies 11 • Renewable Energy Target (RET) 11 • Emissions Reduction Fund 14 • Other Government Bodies 15 3. Electricity Markets & Pricing 16 • Advances in Solar Technology 20 • A Bright Future for Solar Energy in Australia 23 4. Associated solar technology 25 • Utilising ‘excess’ solar energy 25 • Battery Storage 25 • Electric Vehicles 26 Conclusion 27 Acknowledgements 27 References 28 2 SOLAR ENERGY POLICY SETTING AND APPLICATIONS TO COTTON PRODUCTION www.cottoninfo.com.au 3 SOLAR ENERGY POLICY SETTING AND APPLICATIONS TO COTTON PRODUCTION Executive Summary Energy is at the forefront of agricultural issues in Australia. Two key concerns dominate the discussion of agricultural energy: pricing volatility of energy and government policy supporting renewable energy. Together these concerns have resulted in a stimulated interest in the potential substitutes for fossil fuels. A scarcity in energy sources (particularly crude oil) has highlighted the dependence of energy-related agricultural inputs such as fertilizer, electricity and fuels for farm plant and irrigation pumping. As government policies develop, environmental concerns related to global climate change and market signals from the consumer to improve sustainability have encouraged investigation of alternative energy sources to transform the relationship between the energy and agriculture sectors.
    [Show full text]
  • ZCWP02-19 Renewable Energy Projects on the Indigenous Estate: Identifying Risks and Opportunities of Utility-Scale and Dispersed Models
    Zero-Carbon Energy for the Asia-Pacific Grand Challenge ZCEAP Working Papers ZCWP02-19 Renewable energy projects on the indigenous estate: identifying risks and opportunities of utility-scale and dispersed models. Kathryn Thorburn, Lily O’Neil and Janet Hunt Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, Australian National University April 2019 Executive Summary This paper considers the opportunities and risks of renewable energy developments for Aboriginal communities in Australia’s Pilbara and Kimberley regions. These regions in the North West of Australia have very high rates of Indigenous land tenure, as well as being very attractive for both solar and wind power generation, particularly as developing technology makes it feasible to transport power over large distances. They are also areas remote from Australia’s electricity networks and are therefore often reliant on expensive methods of non-renewable electricity generation, including diesel. We consider renewable energy development for these regions at two different scales. This is because research indicates that different size developments can present different opportunities and risks to Aboriginal communities. These scales are utility (between 30 – 600MW) which, at the time of writing, are predominately intended to generate energy for export or industrial use, and via smaller, dispersed models (distributed generation and microgrids under 30 MW) which are currently more likely to be built to supply energy locally. Globally, renewable energy developments have seen a trend towards some amount of community ownership for a variety of reasons including: consumer desire to play a more active role in the generation of energy; social licence to operate considerations in relation to developments usually sited close to high population areas; and governments encouraging or mandating some level of community ownership because of a combination of reasons.
    [Show full text]
  • Renewable Energy in Agriculture.Pdf
    Renewable energy in agriculture A farmer’s guide to technology and feasibility Renewable energy in agriculture Authors: Gerry Flores, David Eyre, David Hoffmann © NSW Farmers Association and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage All rights reserved ISBN: 978-0-9942464-0-0 Citation information: Flores G, Eyre D N, Hoffmann D, Renewable energy in agriculture: A farmer’s guide to technology and feasibility NSW Farmers, 2015 First edition, May 2015. Acknowledgements This publication has been produced by NSW Farmers with assistance from the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. Authors: Gerry Flores, David Eyre, David Hoffmann © NSW Farmers Association and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage All rights reserved ISBN: 978-0-9942464-0-0 Citation information: Flores G, Eyre D N, Hoffmann D, Renewable energy in agriculture: A farmer’s guide to technology and feasibility, NSW Farmers, 2015 Copyright and disclaimer This document: • Is copyright to NSW Farmers Association and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage • Is only intended for the purpose of assisting farmers and those interested in on- farm energy generation (and is not intended for any other purpose). While all care has been taken to ensure this publication is free from omission and error, no responsibility can be taken for the use of this information in the design or installation of any solar electric system. Cover photo: Solar PV is widely adopted in First Edition, May 2015. Australia by farmers who operate intensive facilities. A farmer’s guide to technology and feasibility 1 Contents 2. Foreword 3. About this guide 4. Overview 6.
    [Show full text]
  • Clean Energy Australia 2019
    CLEAN ENERGY AUSTRALIA CLEAN ENERGY AUSTRALIA REPORT 2019 AUSTRALIA CLEAN ENERGY REPORT 2019 We put more energy into your future At Equip, we’re fairly and squarely focused on generating the best possible returns to power the financial future of our members. With more than 85 years in the business of reliably delivering superannuation to employees in the energy sector, it makes sense to nominate Equip as the default fund for your workplace. Equip Super fair and square Call Tyson Adams Ph: 03 9248 5940 Mob: 0488 988 256 or email: [email protected] This is general information only. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and should therefore not be taken as personal advice.Equipsuper Pty Ltd ABN 64 006 964 049, AFSL 246383 is the Trustee of the Equipsuper Superannuation Fund ABN 33 813 823 017. Before making a decision to invest in the Equipsuper Superannuation Fund, you should read the appropriate Equip Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Equipsuper Financial Planning Pty Ltd (ABN 84 124 491 078, AFSL 455010) is licensed to provide financial planning services to retail and wholesale clients. Equipsuper Financial Planning Pty Ltd is owned on behalf of Equipsuper Pty Ltd. CONTENTS 4 Introduction 6 2018 snapshot 12 Jobs and investment in renewable energy by state 15 Project tracker 16 Policy void risks momentum built by Renewable Energy Target 18 Industry outlook: small-scale renewable energy 19 Industry outlook: large-scale
    [Show full text]
  • Clean Energy Australia 2020
    CLEAN ENERGY AUSTRALIA CLEAN ENERGY AUSTRALIA REPORT 2020 AUSTRALIA CLEAN ENERGY REPORT 2020 CONTENTS 4 Introduction 6 2019 snapshot 12 Jobs and investment in renewable energy by state 15 Project tracker 16 Renewable Energy Target a reminder of what good policy looks like 18 Industry outlook: small-scale renewable energy 22 Industry outlook: large-scale renewable energy 24 State policies 26 Australian Capital Territory 28 New South Wales 30 Northern Territory 32 Queensland 34 South Australia 36 Tasmania 38 Victoria 40 Western Australia 42 Employment 44 Renewables for business 48 International update 50 Electricity prices 52 Transmission 54 Energy reliability 56 Technology profiles 58 Battery storage 60 Hydro and pumped hydro 62 Hydrogen 64 Solar: Household and commercial systems up to 100 kW 72 Solar: Medium-scale systems between 100 kW and 5 MW 74 Solar: Large-scale systems larger than 5 MW 78 Wind Cover image: Lake Bonney Battery Energy Storage System, South Australia INTRODUCTION Kane Thornton Chief Executive, Clean Energy Council Whether it was the More than 2.2 GW of new large-scale Despite the industry’s record-breaking achievement of the renewable generation capacity was year, the electricity grid and the lack of Renewable Energy Target, added to the grid in 2019 across 34 a long-term energy policy continue to projects, representing $4.3 billion in be a barrier to further growth for large- a record year for the investment and creating more than scale renewable energy investment. construction of wind and 4000 new jobs. Almost two-thirds of Grid congestion, erratic transmission solar or the emergence this new generation came from loss factors and system strength issues of the hydrogen industry, large-scale solar, while the wind sector caused considerable headaches for by any measure 2019 was had its best ever year in 2019 as 837 project developers in 2019 as the MW of new capacity was installed grid struggled to keep pace with the a remarkable year for transition to renewable energy.
    [Show full text]
  • The Prospect for an Australian–Asian Power Grid: a Critical Appraisal
    energies Review The Prospect for an Australian–Asian Power Grid: A Critical Appraisal Edward Halawa 1,2,*, Geoffrey James 3, Xunpeng (Roc) Shi 4,5 ID , Novieta H. Sari 6,7 and Rabindra Nepal 8 1 Barbara Hardy Institute, School of Engineering, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia 2 Centre for Renewable Energy, Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0909, Australia 3 Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; [email protected] 4 Australia China Relations Institute, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; [email protected] 5 Energy Studies Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore 6 Department of Communication, Universitas Nasional, Jakarta 12520, Indonesia; [email protected] 7 The School of Geography, Politics and Sociology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK 8 School of Economics and Finance, Massey University, Auckland Campus, Albany 0632, New Zealand; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +61-8-8302-3329 Received: 17 October 2017; Accepted: 11 January 2018; Published: 15 January 2018 Abstract: Australia is an energy net self-sufficient country rich in energy resources, from fossil-based to renewable energy. Australia, a huge continent with low population density, has witnessed impressive reduction in energy consumption in various sectors of activity in recent years. Currently, coal and natural gas are two of Australia’s major export earners, yet its abundant renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, and tidal, are still underutilized. The majority of Asian countries, on the other hand, are in the middle of economic expansion, with increasing energy consumption and lack of energy resources or lack of energy exploration capability becoming a serious challenge.
    [Show full text]
  • Australia's Renewable Energy Future
    Australia’s renewable energy future DECEMBER 2009 Australia’s renewable energy future Co-editors Professor Michael Dopita FAA Professor Robert Williamson AO, FAA, FRS January 2010 © Australian Academy of Science 2009 GPO Box 783, Canberra, ACT 2601 This work is copyright. The Copyright Act 1968 permits fair dealing for study, research, news reporting, criticism or review. Selected passages, tables or diagrams may be reproduced for such purposes provided acknowledgement of the source is included. Major extracts of the entire document may not be reproduced by any process without written permission of the publisher. This publication is also available online at: www.science.org.au/reports/index.html ISBN 085847 280 5 Cover image: © Stockxpert Layout and Design: Nicholas Eccles Cover Design: Stephanie Kafkaris Contents 1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................1 1.2 Summary of development options 2. Alternative energy sources ......................................................................................6 2.1 Wind turbines 2.2 Solar thermal 2.3 Solar photovoltaic 2.4 Biomass energy 2.5 Fuel cells 2.6 Geothermal energy 2.7 Wave and tidal energy 3. The grid: Bringing the power to the people ......................................................20 3.1 The smart grid 3.2. Generation and distribution 4. Transport systems ........................................................................................................23 4.1. Passenger vehicles 4.2
    [Show full text]
  • From Mining to Making: Australia's Future in Zero-Emissions Metal
    From mining to making Australia’s future in zero- emissions metal Authors & acknowledgments Lead author Michael Lord, Energy Transition Hub, University of Melbourne Contributing authors Rebecca Burdon, Energy Transition Hub, University of Melbourne Neil Marshman, ex-Chief Advisor, Rio Tinto John Pye, Energy Change Institute, ANU Anita Talberg, Energy Transition Hub, University of Melbourne Mahesh Venkataraman, Energy Change Institute, ANU Acknowledgements Geir Ausland, Elkem Robin Batterham, Kernot Professor - Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Melbourne Justin Brown, Element 25 Andrew Dickson, CWP Renewables Ross Garnaut, Chair - Energy Transition Hub, University of Melbourne Key messages • Metal production causes 9% of global greenhouse gas emissions, a figure that is set to rise as metal consumption increases. • By 2050 demand for many metals will grow substantially – driven partly by growth of renewable energy infrastructure that relies on a wide range of metals. • To meet increased demand sustainably, metal production must become zero-carbon. • Climate action by governments, investors and large companies mean there are growing risks to high-carbon metal production. • Companies and governments are paying more attention to the emissions embodied in goods and materials they buy. This is leading to a emerging market for lower-carbon metal, that has enormous potential to grow. • Australia has an opportunity to capitalise on this transition to zero-carbon metal. • Few countries match Australia’s potential to generate renewable energy. A 300% renewable energy target would require only 0.15% of the Australian landmass and provide surplus energy to power new industries. • By combining renewable energy resources with some of the world’s best mineral resources, Australia can become a world leader in zero-carbon metals production.
    [Show full text]
  • Report: Opportunities for Renewable Energy in the Australian Water Sector
    REPORT OPPORTUNITIES FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY IN THE AUSTRALIAN WATER SECTOR Prepared for Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Prepared by Beca Consultants Pty Ltd (Beca) ABN: 45 003 431 089 November 2015 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Australian water sector is a vital component of the Australian economy and livelihood, playing an important role in providing water supply and treatment to the residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural sectors. In providing this essential function, the Australian water sector is also a large user of energy consumed during the supply, treatment and distribution of water for a wide range of uses and thus represents an excellent opportunity for renewables to be integrated as a significant component of its energy supply. In line with its objectives to improve the competitiveness and This study has evaluated the opportunities, barriers and increase the supply of renewable energy in Australia, the current trends for renewable energy use in order to identify Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has chosen to priority areas where ARENA could have the most potential investigate the opportunity for water sector specific funding impact in influencing improved renewable energy use and knowledge sharing priority areas which demonstrate the within the sector. The study has identified a number of best potential for improved renewable energy uptake in this renewable energy opportunities relating to both the urban industry. In order to investigate and determine an appropriate and agricultural water sectors, each having their own unique focus and framework for evaluating renewable energy characteristics and advantages and which are outlined in this opportunities in the water sector, ARENA has engaged Beca report.
    [Show full text]
  • The Global Renewable Energy Boom: How Australia Is Missing Out
    THE GLOBAL RENEWABLE ENERGY BOOM: HOW AUSTRALIA IS MISSING OUT The Climate Council is an independent, crowd-funded organisation providing quality information on climate change to the Australian public. CLIMATECOUNCIL.ORG.AU Published by the Climate Council of Australia Limited ISBN: 978-0-9942453-8-0 (print) 978-0-9942453-7-3 (web) © Climate Council of Australia Ltd 2015 This work is copyright the Climate Council of Australia Ltd. All material contained in this work is copyright the Climate Council of Australia Ltd except where a third party source is indicated. Climate Council of Australia Ltd copyright material is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License. To view a copy of this license visit http://creativecommons.org.au You are free to copy, communicate and adapt the Climate Council of Australia Ltd copyright material so long as you attribute the Climate Council of Australia Ltd and the authors in the following manner: The Global Renewable Energy Boom by Andrew Stock, Tim Flannery and Petra Stock (Climate Council of Australia). Permission to use third party copyright content in this publication can be sought from the relevant third party copyright owner/s. — Image credit: Cover photo ‘Shanghai hongqiao Solar Roof installation’ by Flickr user the Climate Group licensed under CC by -NC-SA 2.0. This report is printed on 100% recycled paper. Andrew Stock Climate Councillor Tim Flannery Chief Climate Councillor Petra Stock Researcher, Climate Council Key Findings 1. Renewable energy is booming globally, make it the cheapest form of electricity with strong growth in investment and generation in many parts of the world.
    [Show full text]
  • The Critical Decade: Global Action Building on Climate Change
    THE CRITICAL DECADE: AUSTRALIA’S FUTURE – SOLAR ENERGY Solar: the people’s choice 1,000,000+ 981,000 More than 1 million 644,000 rooftop solar Cumulative PV systems 283,000 PV installations* installed 85,102 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2.6 million Australians are using the sun to power their homes * based on Clean Energy Regulator data as of May 2013 Source: CER, 2013a and derived from ABS, 2010; 2013 CONTENTS CONTENTS PREFACE 3 KEY FINDINGS 4 INTRODUCTION 6 1. SOLAR ENERGY TODAY AND TOMORROW 8 1.1 What are the common solar technologies? 8 1.2 What role has Australia played in developing solar energy? 12 1.3 Innovative solar research and technology development 12 2. SOLAR ENERGY IN AUSTRALIA 14 2.1 What is Australia’s potential for solar energy use? 14 2.2 How quickly is Australia’s solar sector increasing? 16 2.3 Where are the number of solar installations growing most strongly? 18 2.4 Why are costs dropping so quickly? 20 2.5 What types of policies encourage solar energy? 23 3. SOLAR ENERGY IN A CHANGING WORLD 26 3.1 How quickly is global solar capacity increasing? 26 3.2 Why is solar energy becoming more affordable globally? 27 3.3 What is the global investment outlook for solar? 29 3.4 International policy environment 31 4. AUSTRALIA’S SOLAR ENERGY FUTURE 32 4.1 What is the future of solar energy in Australia? 32 4.2 How does solar energy provide continuous electricity supply? 34 4.3 How is solar power integrated in the existing electricity grid infrastructure? 34 REFERENCES 37 COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT SOLAR ENERGY 42 Prefacexxxx /00 PREFACE The Climate Commission brings together Environmental Markets, University of internationally-renowned climate scientists, New South Wales; Dr Kylie Catchpole, as well as policy and business leaders, to Associate Professor, Australian National provide an independent and reliable source University and Mr Jeff Cumpston, Solar of information about climate change to the Thermal Group, Research School of Australian public.
    [Show full text]
  • Energy Policies of Iea Countries
    ENERGY POLICIES OF IEA COUNTRIES Australia 2018 Review Secure Sustainable Together ENERGY POLICIES OF IEA COUNTRIES Australia 2018 Review INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY The IEA examines the full spectrum of energy issues including oil, gas and coal supply and demand, renewable energy technologies, electricity markets, energy efficiency, access to energy, demand side management and much more. Through its work, the IEA advocates policies that will enhance the reliability, affordability and sustainability of energy in its 29 member countries, 7 association countries and beyond. The four main areas of IEA focus are: n Energy Security: Promoting diversity, efficiency, flexibility and reliability for all fuels and energy sources; n Economic Development: Supporting free markets to foster economic growth and eliminate energy poverty; n Environmental Awareness: Analysing policy options to offset the impact of energy production and use on the environment, especially for tackling climate change and air pollution; and n Engagement Worldwide: Working closely with association and partner countries, especially major emerging economies, to find solutions to shared IEA member countries: energy and environmental Australia concerns. Austria Belgium Canada Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Secure Greece Sustainable Hungary Together Ireland Italy Japan Korea Luxembourg Netherlands New Zealand Norway Poland Portugal Slovak Republic © OECD/IEA, 2018 Spain International Energy Agency Sweden Website: www.iea.org Switzerland Turkey United Kingdom Please note that this publication United States is subject to specific restrictions that limit its use and distribution. The European Commission The terms and conditions are also participates in available online at www.iea.org/t&c/ the work of the IEA. Foreword The International Energy Agency (IEA) has been conducting in-depth energy policy reviews of its member countries since 1976.
    [Show full text]