Fellows of the Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) have called for the rapid deployment of renewable technology to decarbonise Australia’s energy systems.
In a press release issued in response to the current energy crisis, ATSE experts emphasised that Australia needs a portfolio of low-emission technologies that act together and are backed by a clear research agenda and policy framework.
According to the news briefing, Australia’s electricity generation prices have skyrocketed by a record-high 115 per cent, compared to that of the previous highest average wholesale price.
Alex Wonhas, an advisory board member of New South Wales Energy Corporation and a former department head at the Australian Energy Market Operator, said immediate investment in advance technologies, demonstration of emerging technologies, and the development of grid infrastructure for renewable energy will ensure that Australia will be able to mitigate roadblocks amid the crisis.
“It’s important to recognise that the energy transition is actually a socio-techno-economic challenge. It’s time to actually go out and understand householder and community expectations, and ensure that we have social license for the very significant energy transition that we’re seeing,” according to Lachlan Blackhall, head of the battery storage and grid integration program at the Australian National University.
“Australia is the envy of the world in per capita deployment of solar and wind power. Solar is by far the leading contender to decarbonise global energy systems. The critical technology mix for Australia includes solar power, wind, pumped hydro and batteries, electricity transmission infrastructure, and electrification of transport and heating,” Katherine Woodtrope, an ATSE fellow and former director of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
