There are a number of different technologies used to produce renewable energy in Australia, all of which are at different stages of maturity and investment. The Clean Energy Council works to improve the profile, viability and accessibility of all renewable energy technologies currently in use in Australia.
Wind turbines generate electricity from the naturally occurring power of the wind by capturing energy within the area swept by their blades.
ViewEnergy storage uses a chemical process or pumped hydro to store electrical energy so that it can be used at a later time.
ViewHydroelectricity uses flowing water to spin a turbine connected to a generator that produces electricity.
ViewSimilar to rooftop solar, large-scale solar uses solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity but on a much larger scale.
ViewSolar panels use cells of specially fabricated semiconductor crystals to convert sunlight into electricity.
ViewConcentrated solar thermal uses lenses or reflectors to concentrate sunlight to produce steam that drives a turbine.
ViewSolar hot water systems use collectors or a heat pump, which uses energy from the ambient air, to heat water.
ViewBioenergy involves efficiently extracting clean, low-emission electricity from agricultural, forestry and municipal wastes.
ViewMarine energy uses the movement of water to generate electricity from tides, waves or ocean currents.
ViewGeothermal energy uses the earth's natural internal heat to generate electricity and heating.
ViewAustralia's two main electricity grids and many remote 'island' grids were centrally designed for the reliable delivery of electricity to households and businesses.
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