Renewable energy and low-emissions technologies

New Gen Coal

Renewable energy and low-emissions technologies

 

A low-emissions future

The concentration of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere is increasing and many scientists believe that this is causing climate change. A variety of technologies are in development to reduce these emissions, all of which are likely to play a role in providing us with a secure, low-emissions energy supply. These include technologies such as carbon capture and storage and renewable energy technologies.

 
 

Renewables

Renewable energy describes the production of energy from the earth’s unlimited natural resources. The five most common forms of renewable energy are wind, solar, geothermal, water (hydro) and biomass.

Wind

Wind turbines harness the kinetic energy of wind to produce electricity. Once constructed, a wind turbine produces zero greenhouse gas emissions. Currently just 1.5% of the world electricity supply comes from wind1 but the International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that this could increase to as much as 12% by 20502.

Solar

The energy from the sun can be harnessed to generate electricity in one of two ways. Photovoltaic energy uses specially-designed cells called ‘solar cells’ which produce electricity from sunlight. Solar thermal power plants use heat from the sun to generate steam, which provides the mechanical energy to turn a turbine and produce electricity.

Geothermal

Geothermal energy harnesses the heat from deep within the earth. This heat is brought to the surface, usually in the form of hot water or steam, where it is used to generate electricity. Geothermal energy currently accounts for approximately 0.3% of world electricity supply3.

Water (Hydroelectricity)

Hydroelectricity uses the energy of moving water to generate electricity. The most common form of hydroelectricity today is produced as water flows downhill through a dam. The kinetic energy of this water is used to turn a turbine and generate electricity. Other less common examples of hydroelectricity use the movement of waves and tidal waters. Hydroelectricity currently produces more electricity than any other renewable energy source, contributing about 16% to global electricity production in 20063.

Biomass

Biomass describes organic material deliberately grown to be burnt for fuel. Although carbon is released when this material is burnt, this is the same carbon that was removed from the atmosphere during photosynthesis as the plant grew. This means that the burning of biomass does not disrupt the carbon cycle, effectively making the process carbon neutral.

Renewables in Australia

The Australian government has committed to producing 20% of Australia’s energy from renewables by 20204. These renewable technologies, when combined with low-emissions technologies such as carbon capture and storage will create a new energy mix that will enable us to meet future energy demands whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the effects of climate change.

  1. 1 World Wind Energy Association (WWEA), World Wind Energy Report 2008
  2. 2 International Energy Agency (IEA), Energy Technologies Perspectives report 2008
  3. 3 International Energy Agency (IEA), World Electricity Statistics 2006
  4. 4 Australian Government Department of Climate Change
 
 

Ask an expert

 
 
 
 
 
All answered questions