Assessing the availability and feasibility of renewable energy on the Great Barrier Reef-Australia

Abstract

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR), the world’s largest reef system and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most complex natural ecosystems on Earth. However, the GBR is at considerable risk from climate change and there is an urgent need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decarbonise the many activities taking place on the GBR. This study assesses the availability of renewable energy resources- solar, wind, wave, and tidal- on the GBR. Findings indicate that solar and wind energy are the most abundant natural resources on the GBR, while wave and tidal energy are only available in sparse locations and are low in magnitude. A feasibility analysis is conducted for various renewable energy technologies based on a case study for an Aerosol Radiation Interaction Experimental Laboratory system (ARIEL), an apparatus being used to investigate marine cloud brightening on the GBR. Factors used in the feasibility assessment include maturity of technology, portability, adaptability across the GBR, and ecological impacts on marine life and birds. Results suggest that solar photovoltaics, installed on a barge, would be the most suitable option for rapid near-term implementation. Not only is solar energy available throughout the whole GBR, but it is also a proven and mature technology and would have minimal impact on marine life and on birds. A proposed hybrid energy system could reduce the ARIEL’s CO₂ emissions by 44–59 %, varying by location. The findings offer a roadmap for deploying cleaner energy systems on the GBR, balancing environmental protection with technological considerations.