Image credit: AZSolar via MB's DK Photo archive
Nearly one in four homes in South Australia now has rooftop solar, as the share of renewable energy in the state neared 33 per cent in 2013/14 – delivering the state’s ambitious 2020 target six years ahead of schedule.South Australia seems to be a state in Australia. Giles Parkinson also tells us that wind generation accounted for 27% of electrical generation in South Australia in 2014, and solar 5.1%.Official data released by the Australian Energy Market Operator shows that the share of wind and solar generation in South Australia jumped to 32.1 per cent in 2013/14. This exceed the state’s target, but doesn’t include the 275MW Snowtown II wind farm that was brought on line in July.
As RenewEconomy has pointed out, South Australia is well on its way to 50 per cent renewable energy – practically achieved that in the month of July, and given the AEMO forecasts for the uptake of solar and energy efficiency, it could even become the first mainland state to move towards 100 per cent renewable energy - possibly within a decade.
How great to see the sun is rising on the other side if our planet as well. Maybe we should have a competition between all nations to see who can achieve a totally renewable energy economy first? We could create a global database of penetration rates to enhance the element of Olympic drama.
Here comes the sun!