Fast read
- Australia lags behind in moving away from fossil fuels, increasing pressure to prioritize renewables
- According to the Clean Energy Council, Australia has the highest amount of solar radiation in the world, making it an ideal location for solar energy.
- TED Talk by Ramez Naam highlights the urgent need for countries to prioritize renewable energy and move away from fossil fuels.
- Renewable energy costs have fallen sharply in recent years due to technological advances and increased investment.
- Australia has potential to become a leader in renewable energy with abundant solar and wind resources
Australia’s opportunity to lead the renewable energy revolution! – Insights from Ramez Naam’s TED Talk
Australia, a Down Under country, is heating up
The government faces mounting pressure from environmental groups and the public to take a stronger stance on renewable energy.
According to the Clean Energy Council, Australia has some of the highest levels of sunshine in the world, making it an ideal location for solar power.
Nevertheless, the country has been slow to move away from fossil fuels and has been criticised for its lack of action on climate change.
The Cost of Solar & renewable should stir us towards renewables
World-renowned energy expert Ramez Naam presents at TED. His TED talk highlights the urgent need for countries to prioritise renewable energy and move away from fossil fuels.
In his presentation, Naam revealed how the cost of renewable energy has plummeted in recent years. And let me tell you, it’s a great one.
Previously, the high cost of renewable energy was a major barrier to adoption. However, technological advances and increased investment have dramatically reduced the cost of renewable energy.
Naam cited data showing that the cost of photovoltaic (PV) panels had fallen from $100 per watt in 1975 to less than $0.20 per watt in 2015.
Similarly, wind turbine costs have fallen from $150/kWh in the early 1980s to less than $0.03/kWh by 2015. I call it progress!
But let’s get back to the Australian Government
With abundant solar and wind resources, it has the potential to become a leader in the renewable energy sector. It’s time to act, folks!
Our current dependence on coal and gas is a major obstacle as governments often prioritize the interests of the fossil fuel industry over the environment and economy.
Nonetheless, there have been some positive developments in recent years as more and more individuals and businesses switch to renewable energy…that’s the ghost!
The government has also committed to increasing investment in renewable energy, including the recently announced $18 billion clean energy technology financing package. But more action is needed, Australia!
This includes setting ambitious targets for renewable energy generation, implementing policies to support industry growth, and investing in research and development to drive innovation.
Not just cheap energy but a better future for humanity
As Naam highlighted in his TED Talk, the benefits of renewable energy are many and far-reaching. It is the responsibility of all of us to work towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. In addition to the government’s role in promoting renewable energy, individuals can also play an important role in driving the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
By investing in solar panels and other renewable technologies for homes and businesses, individuals can not only reduce their carbon footprint but also save money on their utility bills in the long run. It is important to note that not all solar panel installers are the same.
As demand for renewable energy continues to grow, rogue operators are on the rise trying to take advantage of unsuspecting customers.
Do your own research
For this reason, it is important to do your research and find a reputable installer with experience and knowledge in the field. By choosing a quality solar panel installer, individuals can safely and efficiently install their systems, maximising energy production and cost savings potential.
It also helps support the growth of the renewable energy industry as reputable installers are more likely to prioritize the use of high-quality, sustainable materials and processes.
As Ramez Naam highlighted in his TED Talk, the cost of renewable energy has dropped significantly in recent years, making it a viable and cost-effective option for both individuals and businesses. By working together to promote renewable energy and invest in high-quality, reputable installation services, we can create a cleaner and more sustainable future for us and future generations.
Ramez Naam is a US-based scientist, engineer, and author. Born in Cairo, Egypt, he grew up in the Middle East and moved to the United States to pursue higher education. Naam holds his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Master of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Illinois at Urbana at his Champaign School.
Throughout his career, Naam has worked in various fields including software development, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. He is best known for his work in the field of renewable energy and advocating for clean energy technologies. Naam is the author of several books including The Infinite Resource.
The Power of Ideas on a Finite Planet explores the potential of technological innovation to solve global challenges such as climate change and resource depletion. He is also a Fellow of the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago and an adjunct faculty member at Singularity University.
