New Energy Needs and Possibilities on the Horizon

Australia is one of the greatest nations for sustainable energy. Even though some energies need to be imported, Australia is above the norm in solar energy farming, and the ability of wind power. With the Indian and Pacific Oceans surrounding the continent, the ability to harness wave and tidal energy has great potential.

The ability of solar power in Australia to take the place of coal plants is a realistic potential. Coal is a great resource for export to other countries. Sending coal to countries who do not have a suitable climate or landscape for harvesting solar energy has the potential for a win-win relationship with those countries. The countries can purchase energy and Australian coal industries profit.

The one area where imports are crucial is in the area of petroleum-based energy. Australia imports over 80% of its petroleum needs. Every day, trucks and cars supply transportation of goods and people throughout the continent. Supplies and transportation to and within the cities are crucial to sustaining the vital economy. The need for the import of petroleum energy is of strategic importance to the economy, the country, and the continent.

Counting on other countries for such a strategic commodity as petroleum could diminish through new solar energy technologies. With new batteries, developed by Tesla, and other innovations in alternative energy for transportation, being able to operate petroleum-based transportation with half or even a quarter of the gas or oil needed is a real possibility.

A new company called Kan is working to harvest solar energy. This new adventure will help lower the overall carbon footprint of Australia. As vehicles become hybrids using some petroleum, along with electricity, and other technologies, petroleum becomes less of a strategic worry.

Australia has new discoveries of shale oil. These resources will be able to help in the future and be a good source of export revenue. For now, Australia has solar energy helping to provide electricity to homes and industry. The sun will be around much longer than most energy sources. Wind energy provides a small part of electricity, yet has potential. The importance of removing the strategic need for imported petroleum and keeping the economy of the great country of Australia growing and moving with newer solar powered technologies is the task that Kan is ready to take on.