Reducing emission possible

AUSTRALIA’S world-leading adoption of solar and wind power — 10 times faster per capita than the global average — is set to cut carbon emissions by up to 4 per cent in the next four years, according to analysis by Australian National University.

“This is a message of hope for reducing our emissions at low cost,” Professor Andrew Blakers said.

Prof Blakers said on current trajectory, the Paris accord would be met by 2030 (a 20 per cent carbon reduction from 2019) but further investment in Australia’s natural advantages in wind and solar could easily eclipse that target.

Australia’s wind and solar generates 200 watts per person per year, compared to nearest rival Germany at 80 watts and a world average of 20-25 watts.

“We not only have great sun, we have great wind,” Prof Blakers said, adding those renewable prices had fallen dramatically as uptake increased.

“Solar and wind energy offers the cheapest way to make deep cuts in emissions because of their low and continually falling cost.”

The ANU research called for state governments to establish ‘Renewable Energy Zones’ to incentivise more commercial investment in wind, solar and hydro — identified in this state as western Victoria (for wind), the Murray region (for solar) and northeast of Melbourne (for hydro).

An additional undersea cable between Tasmania and Victoria would also improve access by mainland states to wind and hydro generation in Tasmania.

While progress has been made, Prof Blakers said if federal and state governments slowed investment in the renewable transmission and storage pipeline, emissions could again start rising from 2022.