Australia is a vast country with a diverse range of energy resources. These resources include fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal. The use of these energy resources as well as energy providers has a significant impact on the Australian economy, environment, and society.
Fossil Fuels:
Coal is Australia’s primary energy source, accounting for around 60% of the country’s electricity generation. The country has vast coal reserves, which are located mainly in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. These reserves have made Australia the world’s largest coal exporter, with much of the coal going to countries such as Japan, China, and South Korea. However, the use of coal has significant environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and land degradation.
Natural Gas
Australia also has significant reserves of natural gas, which is used for electricity generation, heating, and cooking. Natural gas is particularly important in Western Australia, which has abundant reserves offshore. The use of natural gas has lower emissions than coal, but it still produces greenhouse gases and has other environmental impacts.
Australia also produces oil, but its reserves are relatively small, and the country is a net importer of oil.
Renewable Energy:
Australia has significant renewable energy resources, particularly in the areas of solar and wind. The country has some of the highest solar radiation levels in the world, particularly in the inland regions. Australia is also surrounded by some of the world’s most consistent wind resources, particularly in the southern and western regions.
As a result, Australia has seen significant growth in renewable energy in recent years. In 2020, renewable energy sources accounted for around 27% of the country’s electricity generation. This growth has been supported by government policies, including the Renewable Energy Target and state-level renewable energy targets. The use of renewable energy has many benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and increased energy security.
Hydro And Geo Thermal Energy
Hydro and geothermal energy also have some potential in Australia, although they are less developed than solar and wind. Australia has several large hydroelectric power stations, particularly in Tasmania and the Snowy Mountains region. Geothermal energy is also being explored, particularly in South Australia and Western Australia, where there are hot rocks that can be used to generate electricity.
Conclusion:
Australia has a diverse range of energy resources, including fossil fuels and renewable energy sources. If the transition to Renewable energy completes in near future the consumers of the Australia can get the cheapest electricitiy. The use of these resources has significant economic, environmental, and social impacts, and there is ongoing debate about the best way to balance these factors. While Australia has traditionally relied on fossil fuels, the country has seen significant growth in renewable energy in recent years, which is likely to continue in the future.