Wind energy in Australia: challenges and opportunities on the path to decarbonisation

Abstract

Despite its status as an advanced economy, Australia grapples with a paradox: an economic reliance on fossil fuel and raw material exports that impedes its commitment to curtailing global climate change. This paper underscores the potential of Australia’s wind resources, comparable to those in the North Sea, as a transformative force capable of accelerating its renewable energy integration. This strategic shift not only holds the promise of decarbonising the national economy but also positions Australia as a frontrunner in the burgeoning global green manufacturing market. Highlighting a pivotal declaration by Australia’s energy market operator – that there are no technical barriers to increasing variable renewable energy levels to at least 75% – the paper delves into the intricate landscape of wind energy. It explores how the levelised costs of electricity from solar and wind, incorporating additional transmission expenses, decisively outcompete fossil fuel–fired electrical generation. Against this backdrop, this paper meticulously examines the challenges and opportunities inherent in advancing wind energy in Australia. By unpacking the intricate interplay between economic interests, environmental commitments, and technological feasibility, the research contributes to the broader conversation on addressing the contemporary headwinds facing globalisation, particularly in the context of climate change mitigation and sustainable energy transitions.