Renewable energy sources accounted for almost half of the electricity used in eastern Australia from October to December.
The Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO)showed solar power reached new output records in the late spring and early summer.
AEMO said it was the first time that coal-fired energy didn’t supply the majority of electricity to the southern and eastern regions.
Experts say this is a clear sign that “coal is on its way out”.
Background
Every Australian jurisdiction except WA and the NT gets power from the National Electricity Market (NEM).
The system connects power producers (coal, gas, and renewable) to users (households and businesses), often with an energy retailer in between.
Power producers charge retailers wholesale electricity prices. Retailers pass on these costs when they sell electricity to households and businesses.
Supply
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AEMO reported coal-fired generators had lower output last year, reducing how much power was provided by black and brown coal. The regulator said less coal availability was partly responsible for higher wholesale power prices in NSW and Qld.
Solar energy was at an all-time quarterly high, 18% higher than the same last the previous year. The variety in energy supply meant the NEM’s total emission levels were at a new record low.
Power demand increased over the quarter as temperatures got hotter.
Climate
Nexa is a renewable energy advisory firm.
CEO Stephanie Bashir said many of Australia’s coal power stations “are well past the point where we can.”
“Delaying coal power station closures will not mean they will provide energy when we need them, and it will cost Australians a double whammy of subsidies and higher bills,” Bashir said.
