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Renewable energy

 

Did you know that enough energy from the sun hits the ground every day to meet Australia’s energy needs for a whole year!

Renewable energy means any source of energy that can be used without it running out. There are no or low greenhouse gas emissions from renewable energy and no smog or pollution, which can kill or harm thousands of people every year in Australia alone!

Western Australia has lots of renewable energy resources. Sunshine and wind are plentiful and there are a number of places around the State where biomass, hydro, wave, tidal and geothermal energy resources could be used.  

 Albany wind farm   

 

In WA we are trying to use more renewable energy sources. In the state’s main electricity grid, the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), the amount of total electricity generated from renewable energy has increased from less than 1% in 2003 to over 5% in 2008. Also, moves are under way to increase our use of renewable energy – in 2009 the Federal Government created a law that requires 20% of Australia’s energy to come from renewable sources by 2020 - find out more in the Energy and the future section.  This renewable energy was generated by 18 different places across WA and 1266 photovoltaic (solar) systems.

Renewable energy sources 

Renewable energy sources include: 

  • Solar – this uses solar panels (photovoltaic PV panels) to convert the sun’s rays into electricity. The sun is one of the most renewable forms of energy, but solar energy only makes up 0.4% of electricity generated by the SWIS. Find out more about solar energy (PDF 282kb) (WORD 290kb). 
  • Wind – this uses wind to turn blades on windmills to produce electricity. In 2007 and 2008, more than two thirds of renewable energy in WA came from just 2 wind farms between Perth and Geraldton! Find out more about wind energy (PDF 369kb) (WORD 517kb).
  • Geothermal – this uses heat from below the earth’s surface to create electricity. And best of all, it has zero greenhouse gas emissions! Unlike wind and solar generators, geothermal generators could keep working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Find out more about geothermal energy (PDF 432kb) (WORD 412kb). 
  • Biomass – this uses plants and methane gas (from rubbish tips!) to generate electricity. Municipal waste and wood waste was mixed with coal at the Muja power station and makes up 21% of the renewable energy from the SWIS! Millions of Eucalyptus trees (Oil Mallees) have been planted in the Wheatbelt to provide biomass for the next generation of power plants! Find out more about biomass energy (PDF 441kb) (WORD 497kb). 
  • Tidal and Wave power – the movement of tides and waves can be used to drive water and air-turbines to generate electricity. Find out more about the energy from water (PDF 350kb) (WORD 514kb).

Did you know what 60% of the world live within 60km of the coast?Renewable energy projects in WA

There are several projects going on in Western Australia to use renewable energy, including:

  • Albany Wind Farm
  • Denham Wind-Diesel System
  • Esperance Wind-gas System
  • Kalbarri Photovoltaic System
  • Narrogin Bioenergy Plant
  • Pemberton Hydro Station
  • Fremantle Wave Technology

In harsh and isolated regions of WA, local farmers use their own fuel supplies. Find out how the Western Australian Government helps people living in remote areas to generate their own electricity! (PDF 199kb) (WORD 263kb)

Renew your view!

There are some programs available to help your school connect to renewable energy!

Follow the links to find out more: