Solar leading the charge on energy transformation

Along with wind, solar projects represented the first wave of clean energy transition. And while the gap between project approvals and assets in operation is still too wide, solar is paving the way for our clean energy, low carbon future.

Here’s why…

Solar has an impact no matter the scale

According to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), solar PV generated approximately 10 per cent of Australia’s electricity in 2020-21, and is the fastest growing generation type in the country. It says more than 30 percent of Aussie households have rooftop solar - with a combined capacity of more than 11 GW – and that there is almost 7 GW of large scale solar generation currently connected to Australia’s grid. 

I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a wide range of renewable energy clients to deliver strategies and approvals for projects up and down the east coast. I’ve consulted on huge installations of up to 2.5 GW, and I’ve also been part of bespoke behind-the-meter projects that offset energy costs, reduce emissions, and add green energy back into to the grid at a relatively small scale.

Solar projects don’t have to be huge to have a positive impact, but the potential is astronomical when we go big.

Solar is a stepping stone

While solar was a first mover in the Australian market. I’d be lying if I said we have achieved the perfect investment and regulatory conditions for large scale solar development – more on that here.

However, we have gotten to a point where there’s enough faith in project viability, delivery, and long-term operations for solar to act as a gateway for the development of other renewable energy technologies, and serve as a roadmap for their regulation and planning moving forward.

Many of the clients I work with are now integrating battery storage solutions with their solar farms as standard. Some are even making the batteries operational ahead of the PV installations. And RPS is even helping organisations explore how green hydrogen solutions can be delivered in tandem with solar. 

Solar is ready and waiting

In speaking from my experiences as a renewables project approvals specialist, I’ve often talked about the challenges that come not from solar itself, but from the transmission network on which its success relies. We are now starting to see a strengthening of our transmissions networks across the country in an effort to catch up with the generation capacity being delivered by these renewable energy projects.

As an industry we have seen many good, viable, approved projects left undeveloped due to capacity issues with the grid. But we are starting to see the tide turn as coal-fired power station closures create renewed conditions of demand.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)’s latest Integrated System Plan (2024) says that ‘up to 90 percent of the National Electricity Market (NEM)’s coal-fired power stations are projected to retire before 2035, and the entire fleet before 2040’.  

Leaving aside any discussion in recent weeks about extensions to the life of coal-fired assets for nuclear pursuits, there will be plenty of demand to meet as coal leaves our energy mix. Solar is a tested solution that can help bridge the gap. 

As technology evolves, solar is also becoming cheaper and easier to deliver. There’s a way to go to create the perfect conditions for project approvals and investment, but the future is bright for Australia’s solar industry.