South Australia has achieved over 100% net renewables in the past week and over 90% renewables in the last 28 days, with a mix of wind and solar power. The state aims to reach an average of 100% "net" renewables by 2027, aided by new transmission links and a growing number of big batteries. The completion of a new link from NSW and the use of battery grid forming inverters will allow the grid to run without gas generators, ensuring 100% renewables at times. The state's renewable energy capacity is set to increase with the operation of the Goyder wind farm.
Author: Reneweconomy.com
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Solar and wind reach 100 pct of demand in biggest isolated grid, as batteries allow it to keep its thermals on
Western Australia's isolated grid achieved 100% of demand with solar and wind energy, supported by growing battery storage. The state's high levels of rooftop solar and variable renewables are driving the green energy transition, with coal generators expected to retire by the end of the decade. South Australia is also making progress towards 100% renewables, aiming for "net" renewables by 2027. As the grid transitions, alternative solutions like synchronous condensers and grid forming inverters are being considered to ensure stability. The ultimate goal is to achieve 100% renewables without the need for traditional generators, emphasizing the importance of preparing for a coal-free grid by 2031.
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Construction kicks off on major upgrade of transmission links to host renewables and clear path for coal exit
Construction has begun on the Clean Energy Link – North project in Perth's northern suburbs, the largest investment in Western Australia's electricity transmission infrastructure in over a decade. The project includes major upgrades to the northern section of the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) to facilitate the addition of renewable energy resources, doubling capacity in some sections and enabling the flow of wind and solar energy. This project is part of the state government's plan to exit State-owned coal by 2030 and make Western Australia a renewable energy powerhouse. The North project is set to be completed by the end of 2027, creating over 400 jobs and contributing to the state's transition towards clean energy solutions.
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Australia’s most advanced renewable grid is its most secure, but NSW must scramble as it nears “no coal” scenario
South Australia is leading the way in renewable energy with a 75% share of wind and solar, making it the most secure state grid in Australia. The state has successfully transitioned away from coal-fired power stations and has implemented innovative solutions such as the Tesla big battery and synchronous condensers. South Australia is on track to reach 100% net renewables and will be able to run its grid without gas plants. However, other states like NSW and Victoria are facing challenges with the closure of aging coal-fired generators and are scrambling to secure replacement capacity for critical grid services. AEMO warns of potential risks and the need for further action to ensure system stability in the future. The closure of coal-fired power plants in Australia, such as the one in NSW, is expected to lead to a "credible no coal scenario" by 2031/32. Similar closures are planned in Victoria and Queensland in the coming years. The transition to a high renewable grid is essential for Australia to meet its 2030 and 2035 climate targets. AEMO warns that new investments and reforms are needed to maintain system security during this transition, including utilizing renewable energy sources like rooftop solar. Industry and governments are working together to manage the transition points and ensure system security.
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Big batteries overtake big solar in the world’s largest isolated grid
In Western Australia, the latest utility scale battery additions have boosted total capacity to 1,385 MW and 5,367 MWh, surpassing daily utility scale solar contribution. Battery penetration on the WEM often exceeds 20% of evening peak dispatch, targeting periods of low rooftop solar energy generation and coinciding with peak demand. Renewable energy consistently exceeds a minimum of 20% penetration on W.A.'s WEM, highlighting the need for more wind power to meet night-time demand.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/big-batteries-overtake-big-solar-in-the-worlds-largest-isolated-grid/
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SwitchedOn podcast: Renewable construction boom can help fix regional housing crisis
Australia is poised to construct more renewable infrastructure in the next decade than in the previous three combined, with the challenge of housing construction workers in towns already experiencing a housing crisis. RE-Alliance's report proposes that worker accommodation can serve as a community benefit, with developers considering options such as refurbishing aged-care homes and transforming workforce villages into suburbs. The energy transition offers a unique opportunity for positive change in regional communities, highlighting the potential for sustainable solutions to address both the housing crisis and the need for renewable infrastructure.
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All 212,296 panels installed at state’s first 100 pct publicly owned hybrid solar and battery project
Victoria's first state-owned solar and battery hybrid project, the SEC Renewable Energy Park in Horsham, has completed installation of all PV modules and accepted delivery of a transformer. The $370 million project includes a 119 MW solar farm and 100 MW, 200 MWh big battery, creating local jobs and renewable energy infrastructure. Once operational, it will generate enough power for around 51,000 homes and be one of Australia's first publicly owned utility-scale renewable energy projects.
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Australia doesn’t have to choose between energy affordability and emission reductions
IEEFA has found that improving energy affordability in Australia does not have to be incompatible with emissions reduction targets. The country's aging coal fleet and network assets need to be replaced, with renewables backed by storage and transmission being the most cost-effective option. Gas-based generation has become increasingly uncompetitive, with high prices and declining consumption. Contrary to misconceptions, renewables have not been driving electricity prices up, with high gas and coal prices, coal outages, and network costs being the main factors. Faster approval processes and better market regulations are needed to ensure a smooth transition to cleaner energy sources. Reforms to improve competition, allow distributed energy resources to compete, and promote energy efficiency, electrification, and flexible demand are key to lowering household energy bills. Transitioning to modern electric alternatives, such as heaters and hot water systems, along with solar and battery systems, can significantly reduce costs. Industrial energy efficiency and electrification also offer major savings. The key pathways to improve energy affordability are aligned with net zero emissions goals, emphasizing the need for accelerated deployment of renewables, energy efficiency, and electrification. The narrative that lowering bills and cutting emissions are mutually exclusive is false.
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Big batteries hit world-leading 40 pct share of evening demand in stunning new record for South Australia
South Australia's big battery fleet achieved a world-leading 40% share of instantaneous demand during the evening peak, delivering a record 611 MW, surpassing California's recent peak. The state leads in wind and solar energy, aiming for 100% net renewables by 2027. The batteries provide grid stability, allow for time shifting of excess renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The addition of a new transmission link to NSW will further support the state's transition to cleaner energy sources, with synchronous condensers and large batteries ensuring grid stability and steady power feeds for industrial operations. The increasing share of battery discharge and integration of large scale solar-battery hybrids are key steps towards a more renewable energy future.
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New transmission towers are crucial for renewables – but contentious. Here’s where they should go
Solar and wind provide 99% of new generating capacity in Australia, with renewables supplying over 40% of power to the main grid. Australia will need six times as much solar and wind to reach net zero through electrification. Building new transmission corridors is necessary, but existing lines are not sufficient. The grid operator plans to build 10,000 km of new transmission lines, with a focus on high-voltage direct current lines to unlock renewable resources. Optimizing new transmission corridors is crucial for Australia's future grid. A study has identified potential high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line corridors in Australia to connect renewable resources in northern regions to population centers in the southeast. These corridors could significantly reduce wholesale electricity costs by 8-18%. Energy storage schemes like Snowy 2.0 could also help cover seasonal gaps locally. Community buy-in is crucial for such projects, and the benefits of unlocking renewables can be quantified for each local government area. Policymakers should prioritize building these transmission corridors to meet new demand and consider pairing them with pumped-hydro schemes. The article discusses the importance of energy storage in balancing variable renewable generation and maximizing the use of transmission lines. Cheng Cheng, a Senior Research Officer at the Australian National University, highlights the role of energy storage in the transition to a more sustainable energy system. This technology helps to ensure a reliable and stable energy supply while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Energy storage is a key component in achieving climate solutions and increasing the efficiency of renewable energy integration.