Chart of the day: Australia tops the world on solar generation per capita

Australia is generating more solar energy per capita than any other country according to the latest data from Ember. Australia is in 4th place for combined solar and wind generation.

The other top-ten countries for combined solar and wind generation are in Europe, where they can share electricity across borders. Australia must go it alone.

Combined global solar and wind generation has passed global hydro generation. This year, both solar and wind generation will catch global nuclear generation, which has been almost static for 30 years. At current growth rates, combined global solar and generation will pass combined global coal and gas generation in 2032.

The current Australian Government has a target of 82% renewable electricity in 2030, which corresponds to 75% from solar and wind (plus some hydro and bio). This entails doubling current solar and wind generation.

The Capacity Investment Scheme and other policies are aimed at delivering this outcome.

Provided that there is no change of government policy at the May election, Australia will remain as the global renewable energy pathfinder: self-sufficient; located at moderate latitudes (like 80% of the global population); and demonstrating that high levels of solar and wind generation deliver a reliable and resilient grid with low prices, low emissions, low local pollution, low land use and low water use.