The Renewable Energy Atlas.

In a move to make renewable energy a more viable and practical choice for the future, the Department of Environment has launched an online renewable energy atlas.

The initiative aims to support the Australian Government’s expanded renewable energy target, which is to source at least 20 per cent of the nation’s electricity from renewable energy by 2020.  

Environment Minister, Peter Garrett said the atlas would be an invaluable tool for industry, governments and the community as they sought ways to curtail their environmental footprint.

“This online Renewable Energy Atlas is available to anyone who wants to know more about our continent’s energy potential and the array of options available to us.

“It will be used by planners and investors to expand and develop renewable industries in Australia, and will help build community awareness of the enormous potential for growth in this area," he said.

The atlas profiles in-depth, nationwide information on all forms of renewable energy including wind, solar, geothermal, ocean energy and bio-energy.

Contextual information on energy infrastructure, transmission lines and power plants, roads, land tenure and climate is also charted on the map.

The Clean Energy Council‘s CEO Matthew Warren said the atlas showed Australia had some of the world’s most diverse clean energy reserves, but the Australian Government should swiftly implement key infrastructure projects in order to seize the potential amid the global financial meltdown.

“The clean energy industry is ready to commit billions of dollars of new investment into regional communities, we are just waiting for the Federal Government to flick the switch.

“The rules have changed in the past weeks,” Mr Warren said. “It’s crucial we don’t allow global credit scarcity to impede Australia assuming its rightful status as a clean energy superpower.”

The atlas is in its first stage of development, funded under the Low Emissions Technology and Abatement Program.

Explore the Renewable Energy Atlas.

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@governmentnews.com.au.  

Sign up to the Government News newsletter