SELECTING OFFSHORE RENEWABLE ENERGY FUTURES FOR VICTORIA

摘要

Australia's population is continually growing, making land more valuable and adding to energy demand. As the coast of Victoria, Australia has regular high winds, the development of offshore renewable energy is an excellent alternative to conventional energy sources. This provides an opportunity to meet growing energy needs while caring for the environment; and supporting regional communities. There are currently no offshore energy projects in Victoria. This paper investigates demand, supply, feasibility and planning of the wind and wave power options. Analytical (GIS) and visual aids (Google Earth) are used to illustrate these options and so to assist the community in making an informed decision for the renewable energy approaches suitable in Victoria.