Are solar photovoltaic & wind power the future of Australia?

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative Solar photovoltaic and wind power are central to Australia’s renewable energy future, implying an energy sector vulnerable to weather and climate variability.

Does Australia have high solar power capacity?

Australia has high solar power capacity, with several solar farms in operational and developmental stage. Using Australia as a case study, this research aims to understand Australia's solar resource distribution and variability using regional climate model projections under a high emission scenario.

Is solar energy a reliable resource in Australia?

Results indicate an abundance of solar resource power density in Australia, especially in the North (450-500Wm −2). The solar resource will be more reliable in Eastern Australia in the future with ∼ 5% increase in resource density.

Does Australia have a solar resource distribution and variability?

Using Australia as a case study, this research aims to understand Australia's solar resource distribution and variability using regional climate model projections under a high emission scenario. Results indicate an abundance of solar resource power density in Australia, especially in the North (450-500Wm −2).

How much solar power does Australia need?

Solar PV contributed ∼10% to Australia’s total electricity generation in 2020 , with >4.5 GW of new installations. To meet the net zero emission target, Australia will need an increase in 30 GW solar PV capacity by 2026 and another 72 GW by 2050 .

Will solar energy be more reliable in eastern Australia in the future?

The solar resource will be more reliable in Eastern Australia in the future with ∼ 5% increase in resource density. Results suggest reduction in intermittency (∼20-minute lull periods) in the East with increase in clear-sky days/year in the future (∼20 days/year).