Solar power growth modelling flawed, energy tariffs could soar: UWA study
8 years, 1 month ago

Solar power growth modelling flawed, energy tariffs could soar: UWA study

ABC  

West Australian consumers could face huge power price hikes in the coming years unless the State Government starts to factor in the exponential growth of renewable energy, a new study has found. Report author Bill Grace from the University of Western Australia said the nation's energy regulator — the Australian Energy Market Operator — had greatly underestimated the future uptake of renewable energy. "With the current scenario, over the next 20 years we're talking about significant increases in tariffs — 50 per cent perhaps," Professor Grace said. Regulator's modelling flawed: professor AEMO oversaw the electricity market in Western Australia and makes predictions about future power demands on the network.

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History of this topic

Australia says reliance on coal-fired power drops to record low
2 months ago

Australia says reliance on coal-fired power drops to record low

Raw Story  

Australia's reliance on coal-fired power stations has dropped to a record low, accounting for less than 50 percent of its electricity for the first time, the market operator said Thursday. Overall electricity demand hit a record high in the final quarter of 2024 as temperatures rose and people shifted away from gas, the Australian Energy Market Operator said. At the …

Australia’s energy operator wants emergency powers to switch off rooftop solar. What does it mean for households?
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Australia’s energy operator wants emergency powers to switch off rooftop solar. What does it mean for households?

ABC  

If you're one of the 4 million Australian householders or business owners with solar panels on your roof, you may have been greeted with a rude shock at the start of this week. More precisely, those circumstances would arise when there is so much rooftop solar in the system that it's threatening to overload the grid. It's not entirely clear …

Elon Musk highlights major milestone in Australia and explains why it's set to be a major part of the world's future
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Elon Musk highlights major milestone in Australia and explains why it's set to be a major part of the world's future

Daily Mail  

Outspoken tech billionaire Elon Musk has pointed to a groundbreaking milestone in Australian solar power generation as he boldly predicted the future of the world's energy mix. Musk highlighted the rapid growth of rooftop solar in Western Australia, which accounted for an impressive 80.5 per cent of the state's electricity generation on Monday. Musk's company, Tesla, has been at the …

The Bright Side: There's light on the horizon for hefty power bills
5 months ago

The Bright Side: There's light on the horizon for hefty power bills

ABC  

When it comes to getting solar panels, the cost can seem pretty daunting for the average household. But better subsidies, cheaper capital, and greater efficiency mean the average Australian could soon be saving thousands off their power bills. What started as two friends having a sunrise ocean dip has exploded into a rite of passage for hundreds of young people …

There's light on the horizon for hefty power bills
5 months ago

There's light on the horizon for hefty power bills

ABC  

When it comes to getting solar panels, the cost can seem pretty daunting for the average household. But better subsidies, cheaper capital, and greater efficiency mean the average Australian could soon be saving thousands off their power bills. What started as two friends having a sunrise ocean dip has exploded into a rite of passage for hundreds of young people …

Australia 'wasting' record amounts of renewable energy as share of wind and solar soars
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Australia 'wasting' record amounts of renewable energy as share of wind and solar soars

ABC  

Australia is periodically producing such vast amounts of renewable energy that more than a quarter of the wind and solar power generated has to be wasted. Mr Eldridge said the new record, set amid warm temperatures and relatively low demand for power, was a hint of what was to come as Australia's energy system became greener. "Say a transmission line …

Power prices that are 'double' the benchmark spark calls for overhaul of energy consumer safeguards
7 months, 1 week ago

Power prices that are 'double' the benchmark spark calls for overhaul of energy consumer safeguards

ABC  

Some households are being charged more than double the regulated benchmark price for electricity, fuelling claims that Australia's energy consumer protections are failing and need to be overhauled. Among them is one customer from South Australia whose new costs are an "estimated" 103 per cent above the default offer, otherwise known as the government reference price. The regulator said the …

Australia's solar power surge is world-leading, but energy storage is lagging. Are cheaper household batteries inevitable?
8 months ago

Australia's solar power surge is world-leading, but energy storage is lagging. Are cheaper household batteries inevitable?

ABC  

On a suburban street in Perth, amid the pre-war homes and the peppermint trees, evidence of Australia's transforming energy system is all around. But in WA – home to the world's biggest isolated or "island" grid in the south western corner of the state – the uptake of solar also poses some thorny questions. Mr Wood said about 75 per …

In Australia, energy crunch prompts a heated debate on going nuclear
8 months, 3 weeks ago

In Australia, energy crunch prompts a heated debate on going nuclear

Al Jazeera  

Australia’s opposition leader has proposed building the country’s first nuclear plants, but many are unconvinced. The facility, set in hilly, drought-prone grazing country, is one of seven sites where conservative opposition leader Peter Dutton plans to build Australia’s first nuclear energy power stations should his Liberal and National Party coalition win next year’s federal election. Under the current government’s plans, …

Shocking fact about Australian life that left Tucker Carlson and Elon Musk stunned - and you're paying the price
8 months, 4 weeks ago

Shocking fact about Australian life that left Tucker Carlson and Elon Musk stunned - and you're paying the price

Daily Mail  

Tucker Carlson has been left flabbergasted after learning about the soaring cost of energy bills in Australia, despite the nation's wealth of natural resources. Tucker Carlson was shocked to learn how high energy bills are in Australia - despite the country being rich in natural resources Energy Australia, which has 1.7 million customers, is owned by the China Light and …

The federal government is making a billion-dollar bet on Australian-made solar panels. Some aren't convinced it'll pay off
9 months, 1 week ago

The federal government is making a billion-dollar bet on Australian-made solar panels. Some aren't convinced it'll pay off

ABC  

In short: The federal government hopes $1 billion in funding can transform Australia's tiny solar industry into a global competitor. Leading economists have poured substantial doubt on the idea — and argue cheap Chinese solar panels are an advantage as Australia builds industries like green hydrogen. And when the government's own Treasury Department put together a "national interest framework" for …

Australian energy rule maker signals shake-up of complex power prices amid user concerns
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Australian energy rule maker signals shake-up of complex power prices amid user concerns

ABC  

In short: The Australian Energy Market Commission has signalled a revamp of electricity pricing rules. One of Australia's most powerful energy watchdogs has flagged a shake-up of electricity pricing rules amid concerns about the spread of complex and often punishing tariffs affecting unwitting consumers. Anna Collyer, who is the chair of the Australian Energy Market Commission, will on Wednesday morning …

Power bills to be slashed across Australia's southeastern states
10 months, 1 week ago

Power bills to be slashed across Australia's southeastern states

Daily Mail  

Consumers across Australia's eastern states are set to benefit from a fall in household power bills from July 1 as a cut to electricity price caps and government energy rebates deliver hundreds of dollars worth of relief to cash strapped families. The Australian Energy Regulator's final default market offer - a price ceiling to ensure customers receive the lowest price …

CSIRO survey finds most Australians want moderately paced energy transition and are unwilling to pay more
11 months, 3 weeks ago

CSIRO survey finds most Australians want moderately paced energy transition and are unwilling to pay more

ABC  

In short: The CSIRO has conducted what is says is the biggest survey on Australians' attitudes towards the energy transition. By comparison, "other priorities in people's top three" included Australia increasing its energy self-reliance, at 71 per cent, and the reduction of carbon emissions, at 56 per cent. "Many Australians held generally moderate attitudes towards living near renewable energy infrastructure, …

Booming renewable energy generation halves wholesale power prices across national grid
1 year, 2 months ago

Booming renewable energy generation halves wholesale power prices across national grid

ABC  

Rapid growth in renewable generation slashed the wholesale cost of power in the national energy grid late last year, and dramatically reduced reliance on coal-fired power. Key points: ​​​​​Power supplied by large-scale renewables and rooftop solar soared in the last three months of 2023 The influence of renewables on the grid will only grow Renewables are more regularly pushing the …

Australia to significantly bolster green energy investment
1 year, 4 months ago

Australia to significantly bolster green energy investment

Hindustan Times  

Australia plans to dramatically expand its policy to lure renewable energy investment to the country, Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said, as concerns grow that the government is on track to miss its 2030 green energy targets. The center-left Labor government has expanded Australia’s action to tackle climate change since coming to power in May 2022. The government had …

Taxpayers to subsidise renewable energy projects as government concedes Australia set to miss targets
1 year, 4 months ago

Taxpayers to subsidise renewable energy projects as government concedes Australia set to miss targets

ABC  

The federal government is massively expanding a taxpayer-funded scheme to subsidise and underwrite new renewable energy projects, in an admission that Australia is not currently on track to reach its 2030 target for the power grid. Key points: The energy minister has conceded Australia is not on track to meet its 82 per cent renewables target A scheme to subsidise …

Energy modeller Rystad says accelerated transition to clean technologies puts global climate goals 'within reach'
1 year, 4 months ago

Energy modeller Rystad says accelerated transition to clean technologies puts global climate goals 'within reach'

ABC  

One of the world's foremost energy modellers has forecast that temperature rises are set to be kept within 2 degrees Celsius of pre-industrial levels thanks to the rapidly advancing efficiency and affordability of clean technologies. Key points: Global energy modellers Rystad Energy have provided an upbeat assessment of progress towards decarbonisation The firm says the pace of clean technology development …

Rooftop solar 'cannibalising' power prices as Australian generators pay to stay online
1 year, 6 months ago

Rooftop solar 'cannibalising' power prices as Australian generators pay to stay online

ABC  

Daytime power prices are plunging into negative territory – meaning generators have to pay to produce – as renewable energy increasingly cannibalises the market, according to experts. Key points: Wholesale power prices are increasingly turning negative at times of high solar output Observers say rooftop solar is "cannibalising" electricity prices and hitting large-scale solar hard There are calls for storage …

Coal-fired closure delay sparks calls that Australia's 'running out of runway' for green energy targets
1 year, 7 months ago

Coal-fired closure delay sparks calls that Australia's 'running out of runway' for green energy targets

ABC  

In the electricity industry, the complexity of the subject matter means analogies — or even cliches — tend to be unavoidable. Bill Johnston, WA's energy minister, announced that a big coal-fired power turbine would be kept online until April 2025, six months longer than planned. 'We've run out of time' Peter Kerr, of energy advisory ATA Consulting, said the islanded …

Unions concerned that Australia is falling behind internationally in developing energy industries
1 year, 7 months ago

Unions concerned that Australia is falling behind internationally in developing energy industries

ABC  

It has being dubbed a renaissance in American manufacturing. A once-in-a-generation opportunity The UTS Institute of Sustainable Futures last year found Australia needs 12,000 new workers in renewable energy by 2025. Ms O'Neil says it's all about framing Australia’s transition to a renewable energy manufacturing hub as a massive opportunity for new jobs. "National prosperity is sitting on a pretty …

Tasmanian farmers turn to renewable energy, power-saving measures in bid to battle rising electricity bills
1 year, 8 months ago

Tasmanian farmers turn to renewable energy, power-saving measures in bid to battle rising electricity bills

ABC  

Rising power prices have forced Tasmanian farmers to spend to save. Key points: Climbing power bills are leading Tasmanian farmers into adapting their practices Farmers are increasingly embracing renewable energy to avoid rising power bills High costs and lower livestock prices are forcing change Tech-savvy Central Highlands farmer Will Bowden, has spent up on energy saving measures, including his own …

Rooftop solar poised to become Australia's biggest power source amid coal's demise
2 years, 1 month ago

Rooftop solar poised to become Australia's biggest power source amid coal's demise

ABC  

Rooftop solar is poised to overtake coal as Australia's biggest source of generation capacity, as the rapid pace of new installations accelerates the decline of fossil fuel-fired power. Key points: Industry body SunWiz says rooftop solar is poised to become Australia's biggest source by capacity The forecast tipping point will be reached when AGL's Liddell coal-fired plant closes in April …

AEMO warns of NSW power gaps within three years, calls for 'urgent' investment in grid
2 years, 1 month ago

AEMO warns of NSW power gaps within three years, calls for 'urgent' investment in grid

ABC  

New South Wales is set to bear the brunt of reliability risks in Australia's biggest electricity network as mass coal-fired power exits hit before sufficient replacement capacity can be built, the system operator has warned. Key points: AEMO warns of power "gaps" hitting NSW from 2025 and all states from 2027 The system operator says urgent investment is needed in …

AEMO warns parts of the country to face electricity shortages without immediate investment in the sector
2 years, 1 month ago

AEMO warns parts of the country to face electricity shortages without immediate investment in the sector

ABC  

Australia's energy operator has called for more investment in energy production to avoid a shortfall as the nation transitions from coal production to renewable sources Key points: AEMO predicts minor reliability issues will emerge from 2025 onwards, before escalating and appearing in all mainland states from 2027 In Victoria, environmental advocates say the report doesn't factor in more than 100 …

Australia adding green energy at less than half the required rate to keep grid stable: UNSW
2 years, 2 months ago

Australia adding green energy at less than half the required rate to keep grid stable: UNSW

ABC  

Australia is adding renewable energy at less than half the pace required to replace retiring coal-fired generation and meet its own 2030 climate targets, one of the country's top energy experts says. Key points: University of NSW research shows the growth rate of green energy needs to more than double A senior researcher says grid stability is at stake as …

Turmoil widens Australia's energy divide as costs accelerate fastest for poorer households
2 years, 4 months ago

Turmoil widens Australia's energy divide as costs accelerate fastest for poorer households

ABC  

Australia's energy crisis is widening the gulf between rich and poor households according to a new report that shows costs accelerating much faster for consumers on low and middle incomes. Key points: Energy Consumers Australia says power costs are rising faster for poorer households than wealthy ones Electricity bills have jumped 20 per cent on average this year and further …

Federal government commits $1.5 billion to renewable energy zones in Victoria
2 years, 5 months ago

Federal government commits $1.5 billion to renewable energy zones in Victoria

ABC  

There are mixed reactions to the federal government giving Victorian Renewable Energy Zones, including the Victoria-New South Wales Interconnector KerangLink, $1.5billion in concessional financing. Key points: The zones will connect renewable energy sources across the state, and to NSW Mildura Mayor Liam Wood says the infrastructure would open up the region to billions of dollars worth of service But a …

Energy giant warns electricity prices could increase by 35 per cent next year
2 years, 5 months ago

Energy giant warns electricity prices could increase by 35 per cent next year

ABC  

One of Australia's biggest energy companies has warned that retail electricity prices may increase by more than 35 per cent next year. Key points: Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and transitioning away from fossil fuels, have increased energy costs across the world Australian consumers have already experienced big increases in electricity prices in recent years There are concerns about the amount …

AEMO warns of power 'gaps' in Australia's biggest grid within three years as coal exodus gathers pace
2 years, 7 months ago

AEMO warns of power 'gaps' in Australia's biggest grid within three years as coal exodus gathers pace

ABC  

Electricity supplies are forecast to fall short of demand within three years across Australia's eastern grid, unless new renewable energy and transmission capacity is urgently brought online, according to an official report. Key points: The market operator warns power supplies in Australia's biggest grid could run short from 2025 AEMO says massive coal plant closures combined with greater demand are …

Australia's energy crisis makes winners out of fossil fuel exporters and losers of everyone else, expert says
2 years, 7 months ago

Australia's energy crisis makes winners out of fossil fuel exporters and losers of everyone else, expert says

ABC  

This month, Australia's third-biggest power provider EnergyAustralia revealed it had plunged to a $1.6 billion loss for the first six months of this year. Key points: Australia's biggest power provider AGL on Friday reported a 58 per cent drop in benchmark full-year profit The fall follows similar slumps for the electricity and gas retailer businesses of Origin Energy and EnergyAustralia …

Electricity retailers raise fixed charges to recoup costs after record highs in spot market
2 years, 7 months ago

Electricity retailers raise fixed charges to recoup costs after record highs in spot market

ABC  

Natalie, from Tweed Heads in northern New South Wales, has cut her electricity usage to the bare minimum. "I understand everyone is getting a price increase," she said, "but it just feels a little bit unfair that they've put so much on the daily rate. The New South Wales Energy and Water Ombudsman, Janine Young, said every customer would be …

Australia 'on track' to generate half its electricity from renewable sources by 2025, report finds
2 years, 8 months ago

Australia 'on track' to generate half its electricity from renewable sources by 2025, report finds

ABC  

Australia is on track to generate half its electricity needs from renewable sources within three years, according to a report highlighting the extraordinary pace of change underway in the country's energy system. Key points: The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering says the country's renewable energy share will rise to 69 per cent by 2030 The academy is calling …

Australia's energy transformation is ramping up, but there are major challenges ahead
2 years, 8 months ago

Australia's energy transformation is ramping up, but there are major challenges ahead

ABC  

Katherine Myers and her husband Ben are fifth-generation potato farmers. Key points: AEMO says five new transmission line projects should be progressed "as urgently as possible" Many experts and investors say the grid needs upgrading to meet renewable energy targets Hundreds of people in a regional Victorian community are campaigning against lines set to go through their town They live …

AEMO's plan to fix the broken energy system seems so simple, but it's likely to be anything but
2 years, 9 months ago

AEMO's plan to fix the broken energy system seems so simple, but it's likely to be anything but

ABC  

Woven throughout a blueprint for Australia's energy system is a term that needs little explaining — urgent. Finally, and perhaps most critically, AEMO is calling for the urgent construction of five high-voltage transmission lines required to bring so much of the planned renewable energy capacity to the people who use it. Few people with knowledge of the energy system would …

Australian Energy Market Operator signals it will likely end its market intervention this week
2 years, 9 months ago

Australian Energy Market Operator signals it will likely end its market intervention this week

ABC  

The unprecedented suspension of Australia's east coast energy market could be lifted as early as Thursday but the market operator is warning the challenges managing supply and demand may continue. Key points: The AEMO suspended the wholesale electricity spot market last week It intervened in the market amid reliability and blackout fears The AEMO will gradually lift its suspension if …

Is our energy supply in crisis? What's the National Electricity Market? Can it be fixed?
2 years, 9 months ago

Is our energy supply in crisis? What's the National Electricity Market? Can it be fixed?

ABC  

We saw something unprecedented last week. The NEM supplies around 10.7 million customers, Factsheet: the National Electricity Market, December 2021) The entities that generate electricity for the system use a range of energy sources and that "generation mix" is transforming rapidly. Australia's energy spot market suspended by market operator Photo shows roofs of houses, most of them with solar panels …

Explained | Why is Australia facing an electricity crisis despite being a top exporter of coal and gas?
2 years, 9 months ago

Explained | Why is Australia facing an electricity crisis despite being a top exporter of coal and gas?

The Hindu  

The story so far: On Thursday, June 16, Chris Bowen, the Energy Minister of Australia — the world’s biggest exporter of coal and Liquified Natural Gas — asked the residents of its most populous state New South Wales, to conserve power as much as possible during the peak demand hours of 6 pm to 8 pm to prevent blackouts. This …

Energy market intervention will last 'as long as it needs to', Chris Bowen says
2 years, 9 months ago

Energy market intervention will last 'as long as it needs to', Chris Bowen says

ABC  

The Federal Energy Minister insists the unprecedented market intervention to avoid blackouts across the east coast will continue for as long as necessary, throwing his full support behind the nation's energy regulators. Key points: The energy market operator yesterday took an unprecedented step to take control of the market The federal government says it backs the decision and the AEMO …

Australian Energy Market Operator suspends spot market for wholesale electricity to ensure reliability and avoid blackouts
2 years, 9 months ago

Australian Energy Market Operator suspends spot market for wholesale electricity to ensure reliability and avoid blackouts

ABC  

The Australian Energy Market Operator has taken the extraordinary step of suspending the spot market for wholesale electricity across the country. Key points: The electricity sector has been dealing with soaring costs It forced AEMO to cap prices and compel generators to offer their services Now the spot market for wholesale electricity has been suspended to try and ensure reliability …

Power uncertainty hits multiple states as AEMO makes moves to cover shortfalls
2 years, 9 months ago

Power uncertainty hits multiple states as AEMO makes moves to cover shortfalls

ABC  

Power uncertainty spread across five states on Tuesday, with the Australian Energy Market Operator warning of possible power interruptions. Market notices published on the AEMO website warned of maximum power load interruptions in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. "Discussions with scheduled generators indicate an estimate of approximately 2,000 megawatts of generation in each of Queensland and …

Queensland power blackouts averted as AEMO directs generators to protect network
2 years, 9 months ago

Queensland power blackouts averted as AEMO directs generators to protect network

ABC  

After warning Queenslanders of possible blackouts, the Australian Energy Market Operator has said it was using its powers to direct electricity generators to avoid shortfalls. Key points: The AEMO energy price cap saw energy generators decrease their supply of energy to the market But generators have been directed by the AEMO to provide sufficient power generation to cover the shortfall …

Australia's energy ministers have an 11-point plan. Here's why it won't ease prices any time soon
2 years, 9 months ago

Australia's energy ministers have an 11-point plan. Here's why it won't ease prices any time soon

ABC  

Australia's surging power prices have been hit by the "perfect storm", and that's being felt in households around the country. But an 11-point plan from Australia's energy ministers released after meeting on Wednesday isn't going to ease prices any time soon, with federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen saying there's no "silver bullet". A cold snap, rising fuel prices thanks to …

Power prices to surge up to 18.3 per cent as energy market turmoil flows through to households
2 years, 10 months ago

Power prices to surge up to 18.3 per cent as energy market turmoil flows through to households

ABC  

Millions of Australian households are set to be hit by soaring electricity costs after the energy industry watchdog increased key prices by hundreds of dollars a year. Key points: Benchmark electricity prices will rise up to 18.3 per cent under a decision by the Australian Energy Regulator Increases to the so-called default market offers will amount to hundreds of dollars …

Wholesale power prices soared 141 per cent, year on year, and households should brace for more
2 years, 11 months ago

Wholesale power prices soared 141 per cent, year on year, and households should brace for more

ABC  

Households already battling rocketing living costs are facing more pain via their power bills, with the body that runs the electricity market saying prices in that sector have also surged in the past year. Key points: AEMO says wholesale electricity prices in the NEM rose 141 per cent in the first quarter compared with last year Coal plant outages, higher …

As household solar stresses the grid, WA and South Australia will have the power to turn it off
3 years, 1 month ago

As household solar stresses the grid, WA and South Australia will have the power to turn it off

ABC  

Authorities are moving to gain more control over rooftop solar panels amid a ballooning number of installations that are threatening to overload the grid at certain times. Key points: From February 14, Western Australian authorities will have the power to switch off rooftop solar panels when the grid is under stress The new regulations will only apply to new and …

Australian power prices now 'among lowest in the world' as renewable energy drives costs down
3 years, 1 month ago

Australian power prices now 'among lowest in the world' as renewable energy drives costs down

ABC  

A flood of renewable energy has helped drive down household power prices to their lowest levels in almost a decade, according to a report which suggests Australia has some of the cheapest electricity in the world. Key points: Australia ranked 10th lowest among advanced economies for the average price of electricity Industry analysis finds power prices are their lowest in …

AEMO calls for funding hike as renewable energy levels send management costs soaring
3 years, 2 months ago

AEMO calls for funding hike as renewable energy levels send management costs soaring

ABC  

Costs incurred by the body that keeps the lights on across Australia's major electricity systems are skyrocketing as surging levels of renewable energy increasingly challenge the security of the grid. Key points: AEMO has asked for a 66 per cent increase in funding to manage WA's main electricity grid The proposal mirrors the situation on the east coast, where costs …

Solar power prices are falling. What does this mean for our household electricity bills?
3 years, 3 months ago

Solar power prices are falling. What does this mean for our household electricity bills?

ABC  

After a long decade of year-on-year increases in power prices throughout the country, the cost of electricity is forecast to fall in most places. There's even talk in some quarters that solar could one day fulfil the unrealised promise of nuclear power to generate electricity so abundant that it would be "too cheap to meter". Professor Green's forecast even outpaces …

SA's statewide blackout was five years ago — here's how energy supply has evolved since then
3 years, 6 months ago

SA's statewide blackout was five years ago — here's how energy supply has evolved since then

ABC  

Among the more surreal and enduring images from South Australia's infamous statewide blackout are the photos of electricity transmission towers collapsed and contorted in foggy fields. Elon and Tesla build a giant battery Within six months of the blackout, Tesla boss Elon Musk famously declared his company could install a battery farm capable of "fixing" SA's power system within 100 …

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