Outlook for 100 percent renewable energy transition Australia 2050 by source

If Australia transitioned to 100 percent renewable energy for all purposes, including electricity, transportation, heating, cooling, and industry, onshore and offshore wind energy would account for over 40 percent of the country's energy mix. Additionally, solar energy from all types of plants would also be a dominant source of renewable energy. The projection highlights the nation’s diverse renewable resources.

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.