The purpose of a renewable energy project is to generate power without using finite resources (such as coal) for fuel; thereby minimising the power sector’s overall emission levels and reliance on high impact activities (such as mining).
The challenge with renewable energy is to manage intermittency and to be sure that the renewable projects that we pursue don’t also generate an unacceptable level of negative consequences (such as excessive land clearing).
Renewable technologies include hydro-electric, solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and ocean power.
Renewables engineers like those at Arche Energy play a crucial role in advancing the use of sustainable energy technology and contributing to the global transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. View our clean energy advisor’s service page for more information.
They design, develop, and implement systems and technologies that harness renewable sources of energy, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass energy.
The goal of renewables work is to create sustainable and environmentally-friendly solutions for meeting the world’s energy needs.
Renewables engineers like those at Arche play a crucial role in advancing the use of sustainable energy technology and contributing to the global transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
They design, develop, and implement systems and technologies that harness renewable sources of energy, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass energy.
Here are some key renewable energy technologies.
Solar power systems covert solar radiation into electricity.
Solar PV (Photo Voltaic) systems utilise semi-conductors (solar cells). When a photon of light hits a solar cell, electrons jump over a PN junction (in the semi-conductor) and create a voltage differential over that junction.
Solar thermal systems utilise the heat from direct solar radiation (concentrated with mirrors) to generate steam to drive a turbine.
Wind turbines capture the kinetic energy of wind and convert it into electricity. As the wind blows, it spins the turbine blades, which turn a generator and produce electricity. Wind farms consist of multiple turbines that are connected to an electrical grid.
Hydro-electric power systems utilise the gravitational potential energy of water held at an elevation.
The water might be held in an reservoir on a plateau, flow through penstocks to a set of turbines (generating power) and then be released into a river in a valley.
Hydro-electric schemes require high rainfall or snow melt to generate primary energy.
Hydro-electric schemes can also be used for energy storage (pumped hydro energy storage or PHES). In this arrangement, surplus power is used to pump water to the upper reservoir where it is stored until periods of peak demand, when it is released to generate power.
A PHES scheme is not in itself a renewable source, it does however facilitate renewables by being able to store surplus energy for use when the renewable source is not available.
Biomass energy utilises organic matter such as wood, agricultural waste, and dedicated energy crops to produce heat, electricity, or biofuels. Biomass can be burned directly, converted into biogas through anaerobic digestion, or transformed into liquid biofuels through processes like fermentation or pyrolysis.
Geothermal energy utilises heat from within the Earth to generate electricity or provide heating and cooling. Geothermal power plants tap into hot water or steam reservoirs underground and convert the geothermal energy into electricity through steam turbines.
Geothermal systems are more economical in areas with high volcanic activity such as New Zealand, the Philippines and Iceland.
Ocean energy technologies capture energy from ocean waves and tidal currents or temperature differences.
Wave energy converters extract energy from the motion of ocean waves.
Tidal turbines harness the kinetic energy of tidal currents.
We design and analyse renewable energy systems, considering factors such as site location, available resources (sunlight, wind, water, etc.), energy demand, and environmental considerations. We use computer simulations and modelling tools to optimise system performance.
We do this with a view on whole of life project value in order to maximise investor returns.
Arche Energy’s owner’s engineering service includes preparing specifications, equipment selection, tender management, ECI facilitation, value engineering and contract negotiation.
During construction, Arche oversees the installation, construction, and commissioning of renewable energy systems, ensuring that all components are properly integrated, and the systems are set up to function efficiently and safely. This enables our clients to extract the most value from their projects.
Arche’s experts in grid connection management work with clients and the Network Service Providers (NSP) to integrate renewable energy sources into existing infrastructure.
This includes addressing technical challenges related to grid stability, power quality, and grid compatibility.
We manage the preparation of connection applications (including Generator Performance Standards – GPS) and the relationship with the NSP.
We work collaboratively with the OEM and commissioning contractors to minimise GPS and commissioning risks and stay with the owner all the way through to successful commissioning and registration.
We manage the environmental approvals and development applications for major projects.
We understand appropriate levels of assessments and the relevant approvals processes in most jurisdictions in Australia.
We assist in the negotiation of appropriate approvals conditions and provide advice and support during RFIs, change requests and appeals.
Arche’s renewables professionals are well-informed about relevant policies, regulations, and incentives related to renewable energy.
We assist our clients develop compliance systems and perform site monitoring and site audits.
Renewable energy markets refer to the economic systems and mechanisms that facilitate the production, distribution, and consumption of renewable energy. These markets have evolved and expanded as renewable energy technologies have become more efficient, cost-effective, and widespread.
Here are some key aspects of renewable energy markets.
The growth of renewable energy markets is driven by factors such as declining costs of renewable technologies, increasing environmental awareness, policy support, and the recognition of the economic and social benefits of renewable energy.
In Australia, the renewable energy market is driven by the Federal Renewable Energy Target (RET), requiring large energy consumers and energy retailers to surrender renewable energy certificates.
Renewable energy markets involve the generation and production of electricity or other forms of energy from renewable sources. This includes the operation of renewable energy power plants such as solar farms, wind farms, hydroelectric facilities, biomass plants, and geothermal plants.
Renewable energy is increasingly integrated into existing energy markets, such as wholesale electricity markets, where renewable energy generators compete with traditional fossil fuel generators to sell their electricity. Market mechanisms, such as auctions and power exchanges, facilitate the trading and price discovery of renewable energy.
The growth of renewable energy markets is closely tied to advancements in energy storage technologies. Energy storage systems, such as batteries, allow for better management of intermittent renewable energy sources, enabling the storage and utilization of excess energy during periods of low demand or high renewable generation.
RECs, also known as green certificates or tradable renewable certificates, are tradable instruments that represent the environmental attributes associated with renewable energy generation. They allow consumers to support renewable energy by purchasing and retiring RECs, which help finance renewable energy projects.
Governments often provide incentives to promote renewable energy generation. Feed-in tariffs (FITs) guarantee a fixed payment rate for renewable energy producers, while power purchase agreements (PPAs) establish long-term contracts between renewable energy generators and consumers.
Many countries and regions have established renewable portfolio standards or targets that mandate a certain percentage of electricity generation to come from renewable sources. These policies provide regulatory frameworks and market incentives to encourage renewable energy development.
Renewable energy markets involve international trade and investments, with countries importing and exporting renewable energy technologies, equipment, and expertise. Global cooperation and collaborations are crucial for sharing best practices, financing renewable energy projects, and accelerating the adoption of renewable energy worldwide.
Renewable energy markets also support distributed generation, where energy is produced at or near the point of consumption. This includes rooftop solar installations, small wind turbines, and community-based renewable energy projects. Microgrids, which are localized energy systems that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main grid, often incorporate renewable energy sources.
Australia’s National Energy Market (NEM) is a wholesale electricity market that operates across the eastern and southern states of Australia. It is designed to facilitate the efficient generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, ensuring reliable supply at competitive prices. Here are key aspects of Australia’s NEM.
Australia’s NEM plays a critical role in balancing electricity supply and demand, facilitating competition, and supporting the integration of renewable energy into the electricity grid. It provides a framework for market participants to trade electricity, manage risks, and contribute to the reliable and sustainable supply of energy across the region.
The NEM ensures grid stability and reliability through the operation of a frequency control and ancillary services (FCAS) market. Market participants are able to bid to provide these services to support grid operations.
The NEM covers the states of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania, as well as the Australian Capital Territory and Jervis Bay Territory. These regions are interconnected through a high-voltage transmission network, enabling the seamless flow of electricity across state boundaries.
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) is responsible for managing and operating the NEM. AEMO ensures the security, reliability, and stability of the electricity grid, coordinates the dispatch of electricity generation, and facilitates the trading of electricity and related services.
The NEM settles electricity trades through a settlement system, where participants pay or receive payments based on their generation, consumption, and the regional reference price.
Australia's Renewable Energy Target (RET), is 33,000 GWh/annum. This target has driven significant growth in renewable energy capacity, particularly in wind and solar power.
Australia's 2030 target is 82% renewable energy; however it is unclear at this stage if the RET will be the mechanism to drive renewable penetration beyond 33,000 GWh.
The NEM is regulated by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER), which oversees the pricing and regulation of transmission and distribution networks. The AER sets the revenue allowances for network operators and monitors their compliance with regulations.
The NEM has undergone various reforms to enhance competition, improve efficiency, and promote renewable energy integration. These reforms are an ongoing process managed by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC).
