Australia could provide all of its electricity, heating and fuel needs from renewable energy sources by 2050, according to the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) at the University of Technology Sydney.
The ISF research considered the possible phase out of all coal-fired power by 2030 and the supply of electricity being 100% renewable by the same year for stationary power.
It also considered a reference scenario reflecting a continuation of current trends and policies and a 65% Australian scenario focused on renewable energy in the stationary power sector, while the transport and industry sector remains dependent on fossil fuels.
In the 100% Australian scenario the country has a fully renewable energy supply system – including transport and industry – by 2050.
ISF research principal and lead author of the modelling report Sven Teske said: “Our modelling shows that by mid century all of Australia’s energy can be completely decarbonised, including all transport, industry and heating.
“The modelling demonstrates an average of A$20bn in fuel cost savings every year between now and 2050. Australia would save, on average, A$9bn a year on power sector fuel costs and A$11bn a year on transport fuel costs between now and 2050.”
The modelling was commissioned by GetUp! and Solar Citizens.
Image: sxc
