Renewable Energy Sources

The following renewable energy sources list provides information on the different types of energy sources currently available.

Solar

Solar power is generated from sunlight, which is converted into electricity through solar photovoltaic panels. 

In sunny Australia, solar power tops the renewable energy sources list, as it is sustainable, safe, reliable and clean. It is also one of the easiest and cheapest renewable sources of energy to install in your home and business, with financial incentives offered by Government and a growing number of reliable and reputable providers. 

While you’re still deciding on what solar power system could be right for your home, why not check out how solar works, and find out other benefits to going green at home.

Wind

Wind power is generated from atmospheric, temperature and pressure changes that force the movement of air, which is captured by wind turbines and converted into electricity.

Wind power is safe, reliable and clean, with no greenhouses gases emitted during the generation of electricity. It is becoming a cost effective source of renewable energy, with one wind turbine generating enough electricity to power your home.

Geothermal

Geothermal power is generated from heat or hot rocks buried beneath the Earth’s surface. This geothermal heat is used to produce steam and hot water that is converted into electricity. Geothermal power produces no greenhouse gases and is expected to play an increasing role in providing electricity to Australian homes and businesses in the future.

Biomass

Biomass power is generated from living or recently dead biological material that is burnt, generating heat and steam that is converted into electricity. Common fuels for biomass power are: wood, waste, garbage, landfill gases, and alcohol fuels.

While greenhouse gases are released during the burning of materials, this release is combated by carbon dioxide absorbed by the same materials during their lifetime. Due to the large-scale availability of suitable materials, Biomass is considered a viable and effective source of renewable energy.

Hydro

Hydropower is generated from water flowing downstream, which is converted into electricity using water turbines. Hydropower is a clean energy that has been widely used to generate significant quantities of electricity for hundreds of years. Some hydropower plants have been linked to negative environmental impacts, as they have changed natural water courses and adversely affected surrounding wildlife and communities.

Ocean

Ocean power can be generated from a number of different forces: waves and tides can be used to power underwater water turbines, and the heat stored in seawater can be captured and converted into electricity.

Currently, the possibilities of ocean power are still being researched. As the ocean is one of the most powerful forces on earth, it may be one of the most important sources of renewable energy in the future.