Charters, WWS & Lu Aye 1998, 'Renewable energy market potential in APEC', Songklanakarin Journal of Science and Technology, Special Commemorative volume in honour of Prof. Stang Mongkolsuk, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand, pp. 107-113.

Abstract

Australia has been at the forefront of solar energy research and development for over forty years now but seems to have lacked the will or the entrepreneurial capacity to take full advantage of the increasing commercial opportunities worldwide.
Currently within APEC there is an increased interest in a range of renewable energy technologies, which are seen to be capable of delivering remote area power supplies thereby reducing dependence on conventional polluting fossil fuels. With electricity growth rates in APEC nations ranging from 9% to 15% per annum and forecast to retain high levels till the term of the century the environmentally benign nature of renewable energy technologies is a prime factor in their utilisation.
Mature technologies range from wind aerogenerators, through solar thermal, biomass and micro hydro systems to the simplicity and elegance of solar photovoltaic systems.
In Australia with our range of climatic conditions mirroring those encountered through SE Asia and the Asian sub continent we are in an advantaged position to exploit our wealth of professional expertise in renewable energy power resources and to commercialise the products and the know-how of our research laboratories. In this endeavour close collaboration between academia and industry will be an essential prerequisite to successful outcomes.

Keywords:Energy market potential in APEC, Solar energy research and development, energy technologies, energy resources