The online Renewable Energy Atlas is a practical and comprehensive tool showing in-depth, nationwide information on all forms of renewable energy from solar exposure and wind speed to geothermal temperatures and tidal information. The atlas also maps other information such as contours, roads, towns, electricity transmission lines and climatic factors to give the data better context.
Speaking at the site of the new solar ‘big dish’ at the Australian National University, Mr Garrett said the atlas would be a fantastic and invaluable tool for industry, governments and the community as Australia explored solutions to climate change.
Mr Garrett said the atlas was an important step in making renewable energy a more viable and practical choice for the future.
“This online Renewable Energy Atlas is available to anyone who wants to know more about our continent’s energy potential and the array of options available to us.
Article continues below…“It will be used by planners and investors to expand and develop renewable industries in Australia, and will help build community awareness of the enormous potential for growth in this area.
“Never before has there been such a comprehensive resource available with information about renewable energy in our country and never before has it been so easily accessible for everyone to learn from and use for the benefit of our environment.”
Clean Energy Council CEO Matthew Warren said the map is a fantastic source that will assist the industry and communities seeking to make the most of zero-emission, natural energy sources in their area.
Mr Warren said the atlas shows what this industry has been saying for years – Australia has some of the world’s best and most diverse clean energy reserves, giving it real potential to become a global clean energy silicon valley.
“The clean energy industry is ready to commit billions of dollars of new investment into regional communities, we are just waiting for the Federal Government to flick the switch,” Mr Warren said.
“Given the emerging scarcity of global capital, the government will need to move swiftly to drive key infrastructure projects, or risk losing investment offshore.
“The rules have changed in the past weeks,” he said, “it’s crucial we don’t allow global credit scarcity to impede Australia assuming its rightful status as a clean energy superpower.”
Funded under the Australian Government’s Low Emissions Technology and Abatement Program, the Renewable Energy Atlas will continue to be developed. It will support the Australian Government’s expanded renewable energy target that aims to ensure at least 20 per cent of Australia’s electricity comes from renewable energy by 2020.
