Renewable map upgrade

27 July 2016

DATA61 has developed an enhanced user interface for an online mapping tool that provides free and open access to a wide array of Australian renewable energy data.

Screenshot of the interactive AREMI map

The Australian Renewable Energy Mapping Infrastructure (AREMI) is funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and aims to help renewable energy developers find the best location for new projects.

The latest improvements, which are based on extensive feedback from industry users, aim to make the platform easier to use and more effective at visualising complex renewable energy data.

AREMI now also hosts new network opportunity maps developed by the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF). Using this tool, project developers can find out where energy demand is expected to outstrip supply. For example, this often occurs at locations where renewables offer an alternative to extra poles and wires, and can reduce power prices whilst increasing network stability.

Another new tool included in AREMI is from the Australian biomass for bioenergy assessment project. Developed by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), it lets bioenergy project developers find untapped biomass resources, and access detailed information about the types, volumes and locations of potential bioenergy feedstocks in each state.

Wave energy is an emerging technology that has been generating interest as an alternative renewable energy source. Image: CSIRO, Stewart Wilde

AREMI will also be of benefit to the emerging Australian wave power industry by providing ocean data from CSIRO's Australian Wave Energy Atlas. The project is also funded by ARENA, and provides a 4D interactive wave map of the greater Australian coastal area relative to available infrastructure and spatial constraints, such as ports and shipping routes, fisheries and aquaculture, marine and coastal parks.

More information: www.arena.gov.au