Australia lagging behind on clean energy generation

Australia has been dealt a report card by the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) on its attempts at clean energy generation. The result? Could do better.

The third edition of Clean Economy, Living Planet ranked 40 countries in terms of how much clean energy technology they create and sell, both domestically and overseas.

Such technology includes everything from solar panels to wind turbines - and Australia placed a rather measly 26th position.

Although Australia has some way to go before it ends up being top of the class, it has climbed from 30th position since the previous study - so a step in the right direction at least!

However, the WWF did point out that four of Australia's main trading partners are among the fastest growing clean energy manufacturing hubs.

Kellie Caught, WWF national climate change manager, said there is no reason why our country couldn't follow suit.

She continued: "Australia has a proud history in machinery and equipment manufacturing as well as strong supply chains.

"With the right policies, Australia is perfectly placed to take advantage of the clean tech boom."

Such policies are being discussed on these shores - there is the Renewable Energy Target already in place, while the Clean Energy Finance Corporation has been put before the senate.

The CEFC has been designed to help prop up Australia's support of clean energy and ensure the country is able to take advantage of success in the industry.

With the WWF forecasting that by 2015, the sector will rival the oil and gas market, there are real opportunities for Australia to take advantage of.

In 2010-11, the WWF identified the fastest growing clean energy manufacturing hubs as Taiwan, China, India, South Korea and the US, while Denmark came out top in terms of sales.

As with any school report, the WWF has given Australia goals to work towards, so let's see how we fare in the next assessment.

Posted by Mike Peacock

 

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