Wind, Solar and Biomass to Make Up All New Energy Production in Australia through 2020

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources Australia (Perth, Australia)--All new power generation in Australia through the end of 2020 will come from renewable energy sources, with wind making up the lion's share, according to a recent survey and analysis conducted by Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

Wind energy will make up 84% of new power production, followed by large-scale solar photovoltaics at 13% and biomass at 3%, according to the survey.

Wind power made up approximately 28% of renewable energy generation through the end of 2013, with more than 102 active windfarm projects, valued at $3.6 billion, in various stages of development. Projects valued at $950 million already are under construction. The huge number of active projects reflects many factors, including the wind resources along the southern coasts of Australia, which are considered the best in the world.

Industrial Info is tracking seven windfarm projects, which have more than 500 megawatts (MW) of total capacity. All these projects are at different stages, with tentative timelines for construction. In addition, there are many other windfarms, with a total capacity of between 300 and 500 MW, which will be developed in stages over the next seven years. Industrial Info lists windfarm projects with capacities as small as 3 MW.

Wind energy in New Zealand, however, is still in the formative stage. The potential for adding wind energy projects in New Zealand is not expected to increase significantly due to high costs compared to fossil fuels such as natural gas. Several windfarm projects were put on hold in the last year due to the existing oversupply of electricity generation in the country.

Wind energy currently accounts for more than 2% of electricity generated in New Zealand. Industrial Info is tracking 13 active wind projects, representing 2.35 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity, with an investment value of $2.1 billion. More than 80% of the capital investment comes from six windfarm projects, which have more than 100 MW in capacity.

Industrial Info Resources (IIR), with global headquarters in Sugar Land, Texas, three offices in North America and nine international offices, is the leading provider of global market intelligence specializing in the industrial process, heavy manufacturing and energy markets. Industrial Info's quality-assurance philosophy, the Living Forward Reporting Principle™, provides up-to-the-minute intelligence on what's happening now, while constantly keeping track of future opportunities.