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Australia could become world renewable energy leader

A “Desertec” Solar Farm Could Help Power Australia,  Renewable Energy News by Energy Matters , 4 April 2010, Siemens Ltd last month announced a technology blueprint for energy and water sustainability in Australia by 2030. The research, titled “Picture the Future: Australia – Energy and Water (PTF)”, was performed by numerous Siemens researchers and validation processes involved the assistance of 22 of Australia’s leading industry bodies; including the CSIRO, ABARE, the Bureau of Meteorology and The Clean Energy Council.

Australia has the highest CO2 emissions per capita in OECD. The PTF report states Australia’s 2020 target of a reduction of 5% below the 2000 green house gas emission level equates to a 47% reduction below the level of emissions that will occur by 2020 if no action is taken, presenting a major technical and financial challenge.

Siemens says in order to achieve the 2020 target of 5% below 2000 greenhouse gas emissions, Australia needs to invest AUD$60 billion over the next decade in renewable energy and low carbon dioxide generation technologies while undertaking aggressive energy efficiency measures at the same time.

Many of the technologies required are already available. The PTF report says a 30 x 30 km solar farm in central Australia would meet the national electricity demand during daylight hours and allow Australia to become an exporter of clean electricity. …… While covering a huge area, a solar farm of that size is certainly not impossible. Another concept under development overseas called DESERTEC will utilise solar energy and wind power sourced from the deserts in North Africa and Middle East to power those regions and the European Union.

A “Desertec” Solar Farm Could Help Power Australia : Renewable Energy News

April 7, 2010 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | AUSTRALIA, renewable | AUSTRALIA, climate change, energy efficiency, renewable energy, renewables, solar