Authors / CoAuthors
Walsh, S.D.C. | Easton, L. | Feitz, A. | Woods, M.
Abstract
Geoscience Australia and Monash University have produced a series of renewable energy capacity factor maps of Australia. Solar photovoltaic, concentrated solar power, wind (150 metre hub height) and hybrid wind and solar capacity factor maps are included in this dataset. All maps are available for download in geotiff format. Solar Photovoltaic capacity factor map The minimum capacity factor is <10% and the maximum is 25%. The map is derived from Bureau of Meteorology (2020) data. The scientific colour map is sourced from Crameri (2018). Concentrated Solar Power capacity factor map The minimum capacity factor is 52% and the maximum is 62%. The map is derived from Bureau of Meteorology (2020) data. Minimum exposure cut-off values used are from International Renewable Energy Agency (2012) and Wang (2019). The scientific colour map is sourced from Crameri (2018). Wind (150 m hub height) capacity factor map The minimum capacity factor is <15% and the maximum is 42%. The map is derived from Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (2015) and DNV GL (2016) data. The scientific colour map is sourced from Crameri (2018). Hybrid Wind and Solar capacity factor maps Nine hybrid wind and solar maps are available, divided into 10% intervals of wind to solar ratio (eg. (wind 40% : solar 60%), (wind 50% : solar 50%), (wind 60% : solar 40%) etc.). The maps show the capacity factor available for electrolysis. Wind and solar plants might be oversized to increase the overall running time of the hydrogen plant allowing the investor to reduce electrolyser capital expenditures for the same amount of output. Calculations also include curtailment (or capping) of excess electricity when more electricity is generated than required to operate the electrolyser. The minimum and maximum capacity factors vary relative to a map’s specified wind to solar ratio. A wind to solar ratio of 50:50 produces the highest available capacity factor of 64%. The maps are derived from Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (2015), DNV GL (2016) and Bureau of Meteorology (2020) data. The scientific colour map is sourced from Crameri (2018). See the ‘Downloads' tab for the full list of references. Disclaimer The capacity factor maps are derived from modelling output and not all locations are validated. Geoscience Australia does not guarantee the accuracy of the maps, data, and visualizations presented, and accepts no responsibility for any consequence of their use. Capacity factor values shown in the maps should not be relied upon in an absolute sense when making a commercial decision. Rather they should be strictly interpreted as indicative. Users are urged to exercise caution when using the information and data contained. If you have found an error in this dataset, please let us know by contacting clientservices@ga.gov.au. This dataset is published with the permission of the CEO, Geoscience Australia.
Product Type
dataset
eCat Id
145109
Contact for the resource
Point of contact
Cnr Jerrabomberra Ave and Hindmarsh Dr GPO Box 378
Canberra
ACT
2601
Australia
Point of contact
- Contact instructions
- MEG
Resource provider
Keywords
- theme.ANZRC Fields of Research.rdf
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- ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCESEARTH SCIENCES
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- renewable energy
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- capacity factor
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- Published_External
Publication Date
2021-03-10T00:44:46
Creation Date
Security Constraints
Legal Constraints
Status
completed
Purpose
This dataset provides users open access to renewable energy capacity factor maps of Australia. The dataset is displayed as a web service in the hydrogen component of Geoscience Australia's Economic Fairways Mapper to compliment the renewable hydrogen economic modelling. The web service is also available at Geoscience Australia's, Australia's Hydrogen Opportunities tool (AusH2).
Maintenance Information
asNeeded
Topic Category
geoscientificInformation climatologyMeteorologyAtmosphere
Series Information
Lineage
This dataset has been produced through a collaboration between Geoscience Australia and Monash University (“Economic Fairways Project” Ref: 004749). Renewable energy capacity factor research and modelling was undertaken by Monash University. Additional research and publication was undertaken by Geoscience Australia.
Parent Information
Extents
[-44.00, -9.00, 112.00, 154.00]
Reference System
Spatial Resolution
Service Information
Associations
Association Type - operatedOnBy
Renewable Energy Capacity Factor Maps MapServer
eCat Identifier - 145174,
UUID - a40aaf84-7f29-4d37-8582-45c044d30a0e
Association Type - operatedOnBy
Renewable Energy Capacity Factor Maps WMS
eCat Identifier - 145175,
UUID - d9ca996a-08b8-4aa5-a4bc-71dc481743db
Association Type - operatedOnBy
Renewable Energy Capacity Factor Maps WCS
eCat Identifier - 145280,
UUID - dba6853a-e72c-4e67-a0c0-69f55a76444e
Downloads and Links
Source Information