5 Renewable Energy Growth Trends to Watch in 2017
First published 8 May 2017. Updated 10 August 2017 to include the video.
The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) recently released a report on the growth of renewable energy in Australia for 2016.
We’ve dug into the detail, sorted the stats and analysed the results so you know what to watch in 2017.
Our conclusion - the renewable energy revolution is here, and it’s just getting started.
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1. There was a 500% increase in large-scale renewable energy capacity commitments in 2016
Large-Scale Renewable Energy Power Stations Accredited
A total of 1,350 megawatts of new large-scale renewable power capacity was committed in 2016, with an additional 719 megawatts in the pipeline. Combined, this is a five-fold increase compared to 2015’s 409 megawatts of renewable capacity.
2. Renewables attracted over $4 billion of investment last year
Source: Giphy
According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, Australia attracted investment of over $4 billion in new renewable projects in 2016.
The pace of investment in renewables has continued to pick up, with more than $2 billion worth of new renewable energy projects being committed in the first 3 months of 2017.
3. The number of accredited large-scale renewables power stations more than doubled in 2016, with solar farms accounting for 86 of the 98 new power stations
New Large-Scale Renewable Energy Projects in 2016
As Tony Seba says, “Solar is going to eat everything”.
4. Australian households with rooftop solar grew to 2.6 million!
A new record for small-scale renewables in Australia
Australia tops the world for the highest small-scale solar panel rooftop penetration per capita.
A total of 182,173 small-scale renewable energy systems were installed in 2016, meaning 15% of Aussie households now have solar on the roof!
5. Cost per watt of grant funding reduced by 800% in just 2 years
Cost per watt of grant funding needed for large-scale solar projects
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) provides grant funding to build new, large-scale solar projects. It’s a competitive application process, and the cost per watt of grant funding required has been dropping dramatically.
In 2014, the grant funding needed for large-scale solar projects was $1.60 per watt. A year later, in 2015, this dropped down to 43 cents per watt. June 2016 saw a further drop in price to 28 cents per watt, and the latest figures from September 2016 show successful applicants achieved grants at just 19 cents per watt.
On top of this, total project costs have reduced by about 40%.
How good is that!?
We’re on our way, but we’re not there yet
The CER report gives Australian renewable energy lovers a lot to be excited about, but there’s no room for complacency.
The world is still warming, and making the shift from polluting to clean energy won’t happen overnight.
Now, more than ever, we need to continue our fight against fossil fuels and show support for renewables.
Invest In Renewables
Here at Future Super, we’re passionate about investing in the clean energy revolution.
Future Super already invests in renewable energy assets and companies here in Australia and around the world. Right now, our team is investigating a further 21 energy projects including battery storage projects in South Australia and Victoria.
From solar farms powering Parliament in Canberra to clean tech start ups and global companies building renewable energy infrastructure, Future Super members are part of the clean energy revolution.
Learn more at www.myfuturesuper.com.au