Australia is undergoing a transformation in its energy sector, shifting towards renewable energy sources.
As climate change and sustainability remain ongoing concerns, Australia has been investing heavily in renewable energy to reduce its carbon footprint and work towards a sustainable future. Policies have been in place to assist this transition including the Renewable Energy Target which provides the policy format to encourage private investment into the renewable energy market.
Main Sources of Renewable Energy
Australia has a diverse mix of renewable energy sources including:
- Solar energy is the most prominent renewable source in Australia. Residential rooftop solar panels and large-scale solar farms contribute significantly to the national grid.
- Wind power is another major player in Australia’s renewable energy portfolio. There are now nearly 100 wind farms across the country, particularly in the southern regions, where wind conditions are optimal.
- Hydropower has been a long-established renewable source in Australia, with significant contributions from the Snowy Mountains Scheme (1.0 and 2.0) and other smaller hydroelectric plants.
- Bioenergy, derived from organic materials such as agricultural waste and biomass, is also gaining traction as a renewable energy source in Australia.
How does the cost of renewable energy compare?
Renewable energy has become increasingly cost-competitive with traditional energy sources. The cost of solar and wind energy has dropped dramatically over the past decade due to technological advancements and as it becomes more mainstream. In many cases, renewable energy projects are now cheaper to build and operate.
Future of the renewable energy industry
The renewable energy industry in Australia will continue to grow and, in NSW is supported by the creation of Renewable Energy Zones. There are many large-scale projects in the pipeline predominantly in these zones, including the development of solar farms and wind projects. The Australian government and private investors are committed to increasing the share of renewables in the national energy mix, aiming for a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Do traditional energy sources still have a role to play?
Despite the rapid rise of renewable energy, traditional energy sources like coal and natural gas still play a significant role in Australia’s energy landscape. These sources provide a stable and reliable supply of electricity, especially during periods of high demand or low renewable output. However, the reliance on traditional sources is expected to decrease gradually as renewable technologies improve and energy storage solutions become more efficient.
What role do environmental consultants play as we transition to renewables?
Environmental consultants are pivotal in the role renewable energy will continue to play, ensuring projects are environmentally sustainable and compliant with regulations. They help by:
- conducting environmental impact assessments
- town planning advice to gain required approvals and permits
- undertaking site assessments to identify compatibility for renewable energy sources such as ecological assessment, biodiversity offsets, soil and water assessments, road and infrastructure design development and traffic and transport assessments.
- analyse the potential environmental impacts of a project, advising on the most suitable energy sources
- undertaking independent environmental audits to ensure compliance with regulations, while minimising the project’s environmental footprint.
Environmental consultants also guide you through environmental regulations and policies, ensuring your project meets its requirements. They evaluate ecological suitability and identify potential risks. Their expertise not only facilitates the smooth progression of renewable energy for inclusion in projects but also helps foster sustainable development.
GeoLINK are experienced in providing solutions that are tailored to our client’s specific operational needs, while guiding them to meet regulations. We’ve proven success in delivering high-quality environmental consulting services, for projects using renewable energy.
Future of developments and using renewables
The shift towards renewable energy will have implications for future development. Developers in Australia will need to consider several key requirements regarding renewable energy for future projects.
- complying with regulations that mandate the incorporation of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydro, into new developments.
- meeting energy efficiency standards
- integrating renewable energy technologies into building designs
- engaging with stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of renewable energy initiatives.
Environmental impact assessments will be crucial, ensuring that projects minimise their carbon footprint and contribute to sustainability goals.
In the next 10-20 years, we can expect local councils, businesses, and developers will increasingly need to integrate renewable energy solutions to ensure sustainability, reduce carbon footprints, and comply with evolving regulations. Embracing solar, wind, and other green technologies will become common place as regulation becomes more robust.
Get in touch with GeoLINK to discuss how renewable energy sources will impact your new project and how we can help you navigate the process.
