The report, The Critical Decade: Victorian climate impacts and opportunities, details that Victoria receives at least 2,500 petajoules (PJ) of useable solar energy annually, more than double the state’s total yearly stationary energy consumption for 2009–10. This estimate takes into account land availability, with approximately 8 per cent of the state comprised of non-urban land with suitable solar exposure and not in other use. A further 11 PJ per year of useable solar energy is available in urban locations.
Currently, the report suggests, solar is a minor player in the existing renewable energy mix in Victoria, representing only 8 per cent of renewable energy generation.
Other key findings from the report include:
- Victoria’s average wind speed is 6.5 m per second at 65 m height, considered suitable for wind energy generation
- There are significant areas of Victoria with higher wind speeds, including 8 m per second at 65 m height, considered excellent for generation
- Energy generated from waste products represents 21per cent of Victoria’s renewable electricity generation, and there is potential to make greater use of waste as an energy source
- Many types of climate-related extreme events, such as heatwaves, droughts and bushfires, are expected to increase in frequency and intensity in the future
- A potential 1 m sea level rise over the coming century threatens Victoria’s beaches and waterfronts.
Click here to read the full report.
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