As Australians increasingly turn to sustainable energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint, renewable energy has emerged as a practical and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional fossil fuels. According to Australia’s Department of the Environment and Energy, electricity accounts for almost a third of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, though emissions have thankfully been on a gradual decline since 2010.
If you’re considering a renewable energy source for your home, this guide will introduce you to popular options, their benefits, and incentives available to support your switch to green energy.
What is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy is derived from sources that won’t deplete, like the sun, wind, and water. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy options produce little or no harmful emissions, making them attractive to eco-conscious Australians.
Benefits of Renewable Energy in Australia
Switching to green energy brings numerous advantages for you and the planet. Here are some of the primary benefits:
- Environmental Impact: By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy preserves Australia’s unique natural resources and improves air and water quality.
- Self-Sufficiency: Generating your own power offers independence from grid outages, reducing reliance on large-scale infrastructure and stabilising energy costs.
- Financial Savings: You may be eligible for feed-in tariffs when you sell excess power generated back to the grid. Additionally, most systems have low ongoing costs after installation, leading to savings over time.
- Return on Investment (ROI): Solar panels, for instance, typically pay for themselves within seven to nine years, leading to significant long-term savings on electricity bills.
Types of Renewable Energy Available in Australia
Australia offers a range of renewable energy options. Let’s explore each type:
- Solar Energy
- Photovoltaic (PV) Cells: Also known as solar cells, PV systems convert sunlight into electricity. They are commonly installed on rooftops and can be paired with solar batteries to store energy for nighttime use.
- Thermal Energy: Solar thermal systems use sunlight to heat water directly, which is then used in household hot water systems. On a larger scale, solar energy can be used to create steam for power generation.
- Government Rebates: State solar rebates and feed-in tariffs can help offset the cost of installation and maintenance, making solar power an affordable option for Australians.
- Wind Energy
- Wind turbines, whether onshore or offshore, harness the kinetic energy of wind to generate electricity. Clusters of turbines, known as wind farms, are common in windy areas and produce substantial power, particularly in regions like Victoria.
- Offshore Wind Farms: Offshore wind farms are gaining traction and are part of Australia’s sustainable energy goals, with new developments projected to produce energy as early as 2028.
- Hydropower
- Hydropower converts the energy from flowing water into electricity. Tasmania and New South Wales are known for their hydroelectric power facilities, such as the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme.
- Reliability Concerns: Hydropower can be affected by drought conditions that reduce water flow. While an efficient energy source, it is also dependent on sustained water availability.
- Bioenergy
- Biomass uses agricultural by-products or other organic materials to generate electricity or produce fuel. Burning biomass releases carbon dioxide but is less harmful than leaving the materials to decay naturally, which would release methane.
- Methane Capture: Methane from landfill sites and waste facilities can be used as fuel. This reduces the release of potent greenhouse gases and offers a renewable alternative to natural gas.
- Geothermal Energy
- Geothermal energy utilises the earth’s heat, usually from volcanic areas, to generate electricity. Though not widely used in Australia due to high upfront costs, geothermal energy holds potential for the future as technology advances.
Supporting Renewable Energy through GreenPower
GreenPower is a government-accredited program that allows Australians to support renewable energy production directly through their electricity provider. Choosing a GreenPower-accredited plan means that a portion of the electricity you use is matched by renewable energy fed back into the grid. This program ensures that renewable sources, like hydroelectric and wind power, are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Non-qualifying sources under GreenPower include coal seam gas, native forest biomass, and energy from pre-existing large-scale hydro plants.
The Renewable Energy Target (RET): Lowering Emissions Nationwide
The Renewable Energy Target (RET) is an Australian Government scheme that encourages the adoption of renewable energy through incentives, helping to make clean electricity more accessible:
- Large-Scale RET: Encourages large-scale infrastructure projects, including solar plants and wind farms.
- Small-Scale RET: Offers financial incentives to homeowners and small businesses for installing renewable systems like solar PV panels and water heaters.
Start Your Renewable Journey with CheckYourBill
Ready to make the switch to renewable energy? CheckYourBill’s energy comparison tool lets you explore green power options and connect with providers who prioritise sustainability. Begin your journey toward a cleaner, cost-effective energy future and find the perfect renewable energy solution
