REPORT: Wind Farms – Adding wind to Australia’s energy sails
Wind farms currently generate almost twice as much energy as solar in Australia, even though solar energy attracts more attention. Wind generation is a proven, more common source of energy internationally than in Australia.
Renewables will play a key role in solving Australia’s self-inflicted energy crisis. Wind energy, when combined with solar and / or hydro (with a back-up supply from gas, batteries or pumped hydro) will be the cleanest, most cost-effective solution to Australia’s energy supply problems.
Technology advancements, improving equipment, better location selection (onshore and offshore) and falling costs will make wind power an even better source of energy in the future. It is already the cheapest source of large-scale renewable energy in Australia. Finding optimal locations will be key to realising the full potential of wind energy generation.
Wind is free, does not pollute and there is an endless supply – what’s not to like about it? Intermittency problems can be overcome with the right mix of alternative energy sources – wind, solar, hydro with back up support from gas, batteries or pumped hydro.