Green Energy plans in Australia: What you need to know

Australia is blessed with abundant natural resources, including sunlight, wind, and water, which make it an ideal location for green energy initiatives.

As concerns over climate change intensify and the world moves towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources, Australians are increasingly looking to green energy plans to power their homes and businesses.

If you’re wondering what green energy is, why it’s important, and how you can take part, this guide has everything you need to know about green energy plans in Australia.

What is Green Energy?

Green energy refers to power generated from renewable, naturally replenishing sources that cause little or no harm to the environment. This includes energy from sources like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power.

Green energy technologies aim to reduce the environmental impact of energy production by eliminating or reducing harmful emissions and preserving the Earth’s natural resources.

In Australia, green energy is especially important, given the country’s reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation. A growing shift toward renewable energy helps reduce carbon emissions, protect the environment, and create new opportunities for sustainable development.

Many Australian households and businesses are now turning to green energy plans as a way to contribute to a cleaner, greener future.

Green technologies in Australia

Australia is at the forefront of green energy technologies, with a variety of renewable energy sources being harnessed across the nation. Below are some of the key green technologies currently in use:

Solar energy

Australia is one of the sunniest countries on Earth, making solar energy a popular and effective source of green energy. Solar panels are installed on rooftops to convert sunlight into electricity, and with advancements in solar technology, they are now more efficient than ever.

With government incentives and falling installation costs, residential solar systems have become increasingly common.

Wind energy

Wind farms are scattered across Australia, particularly in regions like South Australia and Victoria. Wind turbines harness the power of the wind to generate electricity, making wind energy one of the most cost-effective renewable energy sources in the country.

Australia's vast, open spaces make it a prime location for onshore and offshore wind farms.

Hydropower

Hydropower, or hydroelectricity, involves generating energy from the movement of water, typically through dams.

While Australia’s hydropower capacity is limited compared to other nations, it still plays a crucial role in providing clean electricity, especially in regions with significant rainfall and natural rivers.

Geothermal energy

Although geothermal energy isn't as widely utilised in Australia as solar or wind, it’s a growing field. Geothermal energy comes from the heat stored beneath the Earth’s surface and can be used for electricity generation or heating purposes.

Australia has several geothermal hotspots that could be tapped for future energy production.

Battery storage

As intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind can sometimes produce excess energy and other times not enough, battery storage technology is playing a critical role in balancing supply and demand.

Energy storage allows consumers to store surplus energy for use during cloudy days or when the wind isn’t blowing.

Green energy providers in Australia

Australia is home to several green energy providers, offering consumers a wide range of renewable energy options. Some of the key players in the Australian green energy market include:

EnergyAustralia

EnergyAustralia is one of Australia’s largest energy retailers, offering green energy plans to customers across the country. It provides a range of renewable energy options, including solar and wind energy plans, that can be tailored to both residential and business customers.

AGL Energy

AGL is a major player in the Australian energy market and has made significant strides in providing green energy. The company offers various renewable energy plans, including 100% renewable electricity options sourced from wind, solar, and hydroelectric power.

Origin Energy

Origin Energy has committed to transitioning to a greener future by offering customers the chance to choose renewable energy plans. Origin Energy focuses on sourcing electricity from renewable sources such as wind and solar, and it also offers solar panel installations and battery storage solutions for homeowners.

Powershop

Powershop is an energy retailer that prides itself on providing customers with affordable green energy plans. The company sources renewable energy from Australian wind and solar farms, and it allows consumers to track their energy use through its app, providing transparency and control.

Red Energy

Red Energy, owned by Snowy Hydro, offers renewable energy plans powered by 100% Australian renewable sources. The company focuses on delivering green energy with minimal impact on the environment and offers customers incentives for using renewable energy.

Why are people investing in solar energy systems?

One of the most popular green energy options in Australia is solar energy. Over the last decade, more Australian households have installed solar panels on their roofs to harness the power of the sun. Here’s why solar energy systems are such a popular investment:

Lower electricity bills

Solar panels can significantly reduce your monthly electricity bills by generating free power from the sun. With rising electricity prices, more Australians are looking to solar to protect themselves from future cost increases. In many cases, surplus energy can be sold back to the grid, further reducing energy expenses.

Government incentives

The Australian government offers various incentives for households and businesses to install solar systems, such as the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. These incentives help offset the upfront costs of purchasing and installing solar panels, making it more affordable.

Environmental impact

Solar energy is a clean, renewable energy source that does not release harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. By switching to solar, Australians can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the fight against climate change.

Increased property value

Homes with solar systems are often more attractive to buyers, particularly those who are environmentally conscious or looking to reduce future energy bills. Solar panels can increase property value, providing a solid return on investment.

Energy independence

Installing a solar energy system gives homeowners greater control over their energy usage. With battery storage, solar energy systems can even provide power during outages, offering a sense of security and independence from the grid.

What’s green hydrogen?

Green hydrogen is an emerging form of renewable energy that is gaining attention in Australia. It is produced by using renewable electricity (from sources like solar or wind) to split water into hydrogen and oxygen through a process called electrolysis.

The hydrogen produced is “green” because it doesn’t rely on fossil fuels and has no associated carbon emissions.

Green hydrogen has the potential to play a crucial role in decarbonising hard-to-electrify sectors like heavy industry, shipping, and transport.

In Australia, several projects are underway to produce green hydrogen for both domestic use and export. As a clean, versatile energy carrier, green hydrogen could become a key component of Australia’s renewable energy future.

Why choose a green energy plan?

Choosing a green energy plan offers several benefits, including:

• Lower environmental impact: By switching to a green energy plan, you’re supporting the use of renewable resources that have minimal environmental impact.
• Cost savings: With the cost of renewable energy technologies like solar becoming more affordable, you can save money while contributing to a more sustainable future.
• Energy security: As the world moves toward clean energy, investing in green energy today ensures that you’ll be prepared for future energy challenges.

Compare renewable energy plans with Compare Energy

If you’re looking to switch to a green energy plan in Australia, Compare Energy makes it easy to compare renewable energy options from leading providers. Whether you’re interested in solar power, wind energy, or green electricity, we can help you find the best plan for your needs.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment and save money on your energy bills.

Contact Compare Energy today on 1300 790 106 to compare renewable energy plans and take the first step towards a greener future.