Year 9 Science · Unit 3 · Lesson 12
Challenge Worksheet
Learning Goals
Read the graph
Study the bar chart showing installed renewable energy capacity in Australia (2023), then answer the questions below.
(a) Which renewable source has the greatest installed capacity in 2023? How many times larger is it than hydro?
(b) Calculate the total renewable capacity shown in the chart. What percentage of a hypothetical 50 GW total grid would this represent?
(c) Predict which renewable source will likely grow fastest by 2030 and explain why, using evidence from the lesson.
Evaluate the claim
Someone claims…
"Australia should switch entirely to solar power by 2030. We're the sunniest continent on Earth, there's more than enough sunlight to power the whole country several times over. We could close every coal plant tomorrow and just use solar instead."
(a) What parts of this claim are supported by science? Use specific data or evidence from the lesson to back up your answer.
(b) What important problems does the claim ignore? Consider: intermittency, storage technology, grid stability, and land use. Explain at least TWO clearly.
(c) Write an improved version of the claim that is more scientifically accurate. It should acknowledge solar's strengths while also recognising the role other renewables (wind, hydro) and storage would need to play.
Wrap Up
In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?