'Can renewables meet total Australian energy demand: A “disaggregated” approach

Attempts to assess the possibility of deriving all energy from renewable sources typically deal only with the aggregate amount of energy required, and do not consider the implications and difficulties arising from the need for differing forms of energy. In a 100% renewable system some of these forms will have to be provided by conversion from others, mostly from electricity. Conversion involves inefficiencies, losses, and embedded energy costs of infrastructures, and thus energy and dollar costs. In this study an attempt has been made to determine the magnitude and effect of this general problem, by beginning with estimates of the quantities required by different sectors and of the different forms they use. How these needs might best be met in a renewable system is then considered. Although there is insufficient data to enable confident conclusions, this “disaggregated” approach indicates that a 100% renewable system to meet Australian energy demand would involve costs that would probably constitute an unacceptably large fraction of GDP.