Australia’s ambition to become a renewable energy leader hinges on domestic innovation and overcoming fossil fuel dependency.
Hannah Ritchie reports for the BBC.
In short:
- Australian company SunDrive Solar has developed a method to replace silver with copper in solar cells, a cheaper and more abundant material.
- The government’s Future Made in Australia plan offers significant incentives for green industries but faces criticism for continued support of fossil fuels.
- Critics argue the dual support for fossil fuels and renewable energy sends mixed signals to investors and undermines the country's green ambitions.
Key quote:
“Silver is expensive, scarce and environmentally disastrous, and it limits how much solar can be rolled out around the world.”
— Maia Schweizer, chief commercial officer of SunDrive Solar
Why this matters:
For years, Australia has been one of the world’s leading coal exporters, with fossil fuels forming a backbone of its economy. However, the global shift towards sustainability, coupled with increasing climate change impacts, has spurred a push for a more robust renewable energy sector. From vast solar farms in the Outback to cutting-edge wind energy projects, Australia’s landscape is ripe for renewable energy development.
