Australia’s energy target could be met with wind energy alone

Australia may be able to meet its ambitious renewable energy goals by 2020 with nothing more than wind power

There have been concerns that Australia will not be able to meet its renewable energy goals by 2020, but these concerns may be unfounded, according to Windlab, a global wind energy developer. Over the past few years, the country has been working to adopt clean energy more aggressively in order to meet its own sustainability and emissions reduction goals. This year, the Australian government has significantly reduced its support of clean energy, believing that its energy goals are not feasible.

10 GW of wind capacity currently under development throughout the country

According to Windlab, Australia’s energy goals could be met entirely through the use of wind power. The country intends to derive no less than 41,000 GWh from renewable sources by 2020. Windlab suggests that in order to meet this goal, the country needs only 8 gigawatts of electrical power, which can be supplied through wind energy projects. The organization suggests that there is already 10,000 megawatts of wind energy capacity under development in the country, which is more than enough to help Australia reach its energy goals.

Wind projects rely on government support

A report from Windlab shows that Australia has access to abundant wind resources. The country has yet to tap into these resources in a significant way, but there are several projects at various stages of development that could increase Australia’s wind capacity in the coming years. Whether or not these projects will become a reality may depend upon government support. Without adequate support from the government, these projects may not have the funding they need to take form.

Lawmakers debate viability of renewable energy goals

Currently, Australian lawmakers are debating whether or not the country’s energy goals are feasible. Some want to reduce the target to a more easily achievable goal, while others want to dismiss it entirely. Clean energy is often considered too expensive to be an adequate replacement for fossil-fuels. These costs are at the heart of the country’s debate on its renewable energy targets.