Renewable energy is a significant element of Australia’s future energy needs. Our natural endowment of wind, solar, water and land resources has provided Australia with an excellent base to develop this industry. Many Australian companies and agencies are world leaders in new technologies across the range of renewable resources. Thin-film solar cells, hybrid solar-wind-diesel remote area power supply (RAPS) systems and bio-energy are just some technologies developed to date.

The Australian Government has announced a number of measures to support the renewable energy industry. These measures include a mandatory renewable energy target, a low emissions technology demonstration fund, a solar cities programme and funding for research, development and commercialisation of innovative renewable energy technologies. Many state governments have also introduced renewable energy targets and support technology development and demonstration through competitive funding programs.

An expanding industry, abundant availability of the natural elements, an innovative R&D base, a population embracing technology and substantial government support combined to position Australia as a competitive international player in the renewable energy field.