What is the cost of renewables only?, page-4

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    Total Cost of going all in Renewables is Total $530– $760Billion (2024–2040, phased)

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    What is the alternative electricity cost of renewables only for Australia if we decide to not include fossil fuels Coal & gas Include only the following mix renewable energy. Also keep in mind the extra additional costs weeks-long droughts require overbuilding due to day to day changes in weather patterns, example cyclones, droughts etc.
    1) Solar cells and windmills.
    2) extra transmission lines
    3) Battery back up
    4) Pumped hydro.



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    Required Renewable Capacity (2030–2040 Target)

    TechnologyCapacity NeededNotes
    Solar PV150–200 GW3–4x current capacity (accounting for droughts/clouds).
    Wind (Onshore + Offshore)100–150 GWOffshore helps during calm periods.
    Battery Storage40–60 GWh12+ hours of grid backup.
    Pumped Hydro20–30 GWSnowy 2.0 (2.2 GW) + new projects.
    Transmission10,000+ kmNew lines to connect REZs (e.g., Marinus Link).

    Estimated Costs (2024 AUD)

    ComponentCost (AUD Billion)Source
    Solar PV (200 GW)$120–160BCSIRO GenCost 2023
    Wind (150 GW)$180–240BAEMO ISP 2024
    Batteries (50 GWh)$50–80BBNEF Battery Price Survey 2024
    Pumped Hydro (30 GW)$60–90BANU Pumped Hydro Atlas
    Transmission Lines$20–40BAEMO ISP 2024
    Overbuilding (30% extra)$100–150BRMI Report 2023
    Total$530–760B(2024–2040, phased)



 
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