The Clean Energy Council has released its Clean Energy Australia 2013 Report showing that almost 15% of Australia’s electricity needs last year came from renewable energies.
Hydro had a big year in 2013 producing the majority of the electricity from renewables at 8.18% of the total 14.76%. With the new Macarthur wind farm, the largest wind farm in the Southern Hemisphere opening in 2013, wind also increased to record highs of 3.93% – with a total of 1639 wind turbines, wind power contributed the equivalent of powering 1.3 million homes. Solar power came in at 1.62%. By the end of 2013 there were 1.25 million solar power systems installed.
“Last year saw another year of steady growth for solar power and wind energy in Australia, despite sustained uncertainty about the key policy settings for the sector. Australia’s renewable energy potential is massive, but we have so much more to do to fully unlock it,” said Clean Energy Council Chief Executive David Green.
The report also states:
• $5.187 billion was invested in clean energy across Australia – the third successive year investment has exceeded $5 billion.
• More than 2 million clean energy systems have been installed Australia wide – mostly solar pv and solar hot water systems.
• 21 000 people were employed in renewable energy at the end of 2013.
• If the RET is removed, Australians will pay an extra $1.4 billion in electricity bills each year after 2020.
• If the RET remains, Australians will pay $500 million less in electricity bills by 2020.
“The Clean Energy Australia Report 2013 shows what the Renewable Energy Target has already achieved. All it needs now is to be left alone to do the rest of its job. With the right policy settings for a stable investment environment, clean energy will help Australia’s economy go from strength to strength,” says Mr Green.
Once again, the myth of solar being for the rich has been busted with more retirees and mortgage holders installing solar power systems than wealthier suburbs.
“Residents from affluent inner-city suburbs generally installed solar at much lower rates than those in mortgage belt, retirement and regional areas.”
The table below provides a summary of all renewable energy generation for 2013.
Click here to download the full Clean Energy Australia 2013 Report.
