In the pursuit of net-zero emissions, the strategic placement of large-scale solar and wind projects is paramount. A recent study published in the journal *Energies* (formerly known as Energies) offers a novel, evidence-based framework to identify the most cost-effective and socially acceptable locations for these renewable energy installations, with a focus on Australia. The research, led by Cheng Cheng from the Australian National University, bridges the gap between high-resolution site suitability maps and broader regional planning, providing valuable insights for policymakers, investors, and local communities.
The study divides Australia’s landscape into millions of 250-meter pixels, each assigned an indicative cost based on factors such as resource quality, distance-weighted connection costs, and land use exclusions. By stacking the cheapest pixels, the researchers modeled two scenarios—a high solar and a high wind mix—to meet a fully electrified demand of 20 MWh per capita per year. The results were then aggregated to all 547 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 150 federal electorates, providing a detailed picture of the potential economic impacts.
Cheng Cheng, the lead author, explains, “We found that Class A solar, with costs below 50 AUD/MWh, is abundant nationwide except in Tasmania. High-quality wind, on the other hand, is concentrated in Victoria, Tasmania, and coastal Western Australia.” This spatial analysis reveals that just 15% of LGAs, primarily within 100 km of the existing high-voltage transmission backbone, can host over half of the least-cost capacity. For instance, the top-ranked LGA, Toowoomba in Queensland, could attract around AUD 33 billion in investment and sustain over 50,000 construction job-years.
The study also highlights the potential for new high-voltage transmission corridors to shift opportunities to under-served councils. By mapping ten candidate corridors, the researchers demonstrate how infrastructure investments can unlock new areas for renewable energy development. Cheng Cheng emphasizes the broader implications of the research: “Our workflow relies mainly on globally available datasets, making it replicable in other countries. This can raise public awareness, align policy with community support, and accelerate clean-energy buildouts while maximizing regional benefits.”
For the energy sector, these findings offer a roadmap for strategic investments. By identifying the most cost-effective locations for solar and wind projects, developers can minimize costs and maximize returns. Moreover, the detailed economic impact assessments provide a compelling case for local communities, highlighting the potential for job creation and capital inflows. Policymakers can use this information to design incentives that align with regional priorities and foster community support for renewable energy projects.
As the world transitions towards a net-zero future, the need for strategic planning and evidence-based decision-making has never been greater. This research provides a valuable tool for stakeholders across the energy sector, offering a clear path forward for the development of large-scale solar and wind projects. By bridging the gap between fine-scale site suitability and regional planning, Cheng Cheng and colleagues have made a significant contribution to the field, one that is likely to shape future developments in renewable energy deployment.