Electricity Generation for the Grid from Renewable Energy Sources

Hydro power is a widely used renewable energy technology in Australia but the opportunities for expansion are limited. Other renewable technologies have significant potential for supplying electricity to the grid. These technologies include wind power, solar thermal electric and photovoltaics. The paper outlines the current situation of these promising technologies and addresses the economic and environmental issues. Examples of operating plants are presented and the Australian situation is discussed. It is shown that these technologies are economic in many Australian situations, because of their short planning, construction and commissioning time (typically 1 year). Their modular nature allows better matching of generation capacity to load growth. In addition, there is great scope for local manufacture of components resulting in increased employment opportunities and lower import bills. The challenge to the engineering community to utilise renewable energy is similar to that faced when developing the Snowy Mountains Scheme and will require the same visionary attitude and pioneering spirit to succeed.