Hybrid and related technologies
Renewable energy technologies include hybrid technologies and those technologies that enable renewable energy technologies to work more effectively.
What are hybrid technologies?
A hybrid technology is one that integrates a renewable energy generation technology with other energy generation systems. An example of a hybrid technology would be a power plant which combines solar-based thermal energy with thermal energy from gas or other renewable energy sources, to provide a combined energy flow that drives the power generation from the plant. Hybridisation can reduce the risk for investors, and may provide a smoother transition to more renewable energy generation in the future.
ARENA is responsible for managing a number of existing projects that include hybridisation, such as the Kogan Creek Solar Boost project.
What are related technologies?
For ARENA's purposes, the term 'related technologies' means those technologies which are related to renewable energy technologies. Renewable energy technologies include technologies that use—or enable the use of—one or more renewable energy sources, where a renewable energy source is one that is generated from natural resources that can be constantly replenished.
Technologies that are related to renewable energy technologies include:
- energy storage technologies
- grid management and connection technologies
- information and communication technologies
- mapping and resource identification technologies
- forecasting and modelling technologies.