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 same time, roof-top solar output surged 18 percent and grid-scale solar climbed nine percent -- both reaching record levels, it said in an update on the National Electricity Market. "The rise in rooftop solar output, coupled with record low coal-generation availability, resulted in coal-fired generation contributing less than 50 percent of the NEM's total generation for the first time," said Violette Mouchaileh, a senior official at the market operator.

Energy Record Australia Power Coal  low  market  energy  drops  prices  coal  climate  solar  record  reliance  power  coalfired  electricity  australia

History of this topic

New benchmarks show power prices unlikely to drop beyond handouts
10 months, 1 week ago

New benchmarks show power prices unlikely to drop beyond handouts

ABC  

In short: The country's biggest energy regulator has passed on a mixed bag of tweaks to benchmark electricity rates. Amid news that New South Wales would extend the life of the Eraring coal-fired power plant to help keep a lid on prices, the Australian Energy Regulator handed down its final decision on the so-called default market offers that could apply …

Winners and losers as energy regulator outlines mixed bag of power price changes
1 year ago

Winners and losers as energy regulator outlines mixed bag of power price changes

ABC  

In short: The Australian Energy Regulator has suggested modest decreases in benchmark power prices for some customers but increases for others. Following price hikes of up to 40 per cent in the past two years, the Australian Energy Regulator has proposed far more modest tweaks to the so-called default market offer. "We know that economic conditions have put pressure on …

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 …

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 …

Australia will fall well short of 82 per cent renewable energy by 2030, analysts predict, as problems mount
1 year, 7 months ago

Australia will fall well short of 82 per cent renewable energy by 2030, analysts predict, as problems mount

ABC  

Plans by the federal government for Australia to generate more than four-fifths of its power from renewable sources by 2030 are coming under pressure amid claims the country is way off track. Key points: There are increasing suggestions Australia will fall short of its 2030 renewable power target of 82 per cent Analysts predict Australia's share of renewable energy is …

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 …

Consumer confidence in Australia's energy system suffers steepest-ever plunge
2 years, 7 months ago

Consumer confidence in Australia's energy system suffers steepest-ever plunge

ABC  

Confidence in Australia's main electricity market has suffered its sharpest ever collapse as the crisis engulfing the east coast energy industry hits home for consumers. Key points: There are predictions households face multiple price hikes in the coming year amid the energy crisis Experts say the pricing system is "regressive" and that governments need to try to help consumers Confidence …

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 …

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 …

Queensland power prices have been capped and there's concern about blackouts. What you need to know
2 years, 9 months ago

Queensland power prices have been capped and there's concern about blackouts. What you need to know

ABC  

Fears about blackouts due to a shortage of electricity did not eventuate last night but Queensland and NSW consumers are warned the threat has not passed. This morning AEMO said that, as a consequence of the price cap, "some generators revised their market availability in New South Wales and Queensland for today". "AEMO will take further actions to improve electricity …

Australia's gas crisis is worse than you might think. Industries warn thousands could lose their jobs and consumers will pay more
2 years, 9 months ago

Australia's gas crisis is worse than you might think. Industries warn thousands could lose their jobs and consumers will pay more

ABC  

Australian manufacturers facing massive increases in gas prices are warning they could be forced to shut, with tens of thousands of jobs on the line. Key points: Spot gas prices have quadrupled, putting pressure on energy-intensive businesses Industry groups are calling for federal government intervention Affected businesses say potentially thousands of jobs are on the line Gas prices on the …

Australia on the 'precipice' of a UK-style energy crisis as soaring costs push retailers out
2 years, 10 months ago

Australia on the 'precipice' of a UK-style energy crisis as soaring costs push retailers out

ABC  

Australia is on the "precipice" of a UK-style energy crisis that could send many of its power retailers broke and fuel a surge of households unable to pay their bills, a leading expert has warned. Key points: There are warnings Australia could slide into a UK-style energy crisis where retailers go broke and energy poverty soars New Zealand-based provider ReAmped …

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 …

Exit of coal-fired power station Eraring 'unlikely' to hit prices, but grid stability's a concern
3 years, 1 month ago

Exit of coal-fired power station Eraring 'unlikely' to hit prices, but grid stability's a concern

ABC  

Energy experts have hosed down concerns the early closure of Australia's largest power station could spark electricity price spikes and throw the security of the grid into peril. Key points: Origin will close the Eraring coal-fired power plant in 2025, seven years earlier than expected At almost 3,000MW of capacity, Eraring is the single largest power station on the national …

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 …

National energy market report details expected power bill price drops across Australia
3 years, 4 months ago

National energy market report details expected power bill price drops across Australia

ABC  

Household power bills are predicted to continue falling in the coming years, despite the closure of major power stations including Liddell power station in New South Wales. Key points: An Australian Energy Market Commission report predicts reduced power bills over three years However, bills are expected to rise slightly in 2022/23 before falling The report notes an increasing amount of …

Coal crisis brews as power demand surges, record global prices bite
3 years, 5 months ago

Coal crisis brews as power demand surges, record global prices bite

The Hindu  

Utilities are scrambling to secure coal supplies as inventories hit critical lows after a surge in power demand from industries and sluggish imports due to record global prices push power plants to the brink. Over half of India's 135 coal-fired power plants have fuel stocks of less than three days, government data shows, far short of federal guidelines recommending supplies …

Resurgent coal market hits new high as Chinese, Indian economies gather steam
3 years, 6 months ago

Resurgent coal market hits new high as Chinese, Indian economies gather steam

ABC  

Soaring demand for electricity in China and India has put a rocket under the coal market with prices for the fossil fuel hitting a record high despite efforts to de-carbonise the global economy. Key points: Thermal coal prices have reached record highs in Australian dollar terms Demand has been driven by Asian buyers including India, Japan, and South Korea The …

Solar panels, cooler summer drive power prices into negative territory in South Australia
3 years, 11 months ago

Solar panels, cooler summer drive power prices into negative territory in South Australia

ABC  

South Australia's high uptake of renewables has led to another national energy milestone, with record low daytime wholesale prices in the first three months of the year. Key points: Daytime wholesale prices were consistently in negative territory in SA That was driven by renewable energy, but gas generators were needed to help stabilise the grid Wholesale prices across the country …

Renewable energy boom could force coal power to close early, says new report
4 years, 1 month ago

Renewable energy boom could force coal power to close early, says new report

ABC  

An analysis of Australia's energy market has found a number of the nation's coal-fired power stations could be financially unviable by 2025 and at least one may be forced to close early. Key points: Solar and wind plants will add 70,000GWh to the grid by 2025 Coal-fired generation will drop by 28 per cent Industry acknowledges increasing pressure The joint …

Bluewaters coal-fired power station written off as worthless as renewables rise
4 years, 3 months ago

Bluewaters coal-fired power station written off as worthless as renewables rise

ABC  

The owners of Australia's newest coal-fired power station have written down the value of the asset to zero, wiping out a $1.2 billion investment in the face of an onslaught of renewable energy. Key points: The Bluewaters coal-fired plant in Collie is barely ten years old Its Japanese owners have written it off as worthless The move is being pinned …

Power bills to fall in next two years as political stoush over coal continues
5 years, 1 month ago

Power bills to fall in next two years as political stoush over coal continues

ABC  

It might surprise you after years of spiralling price rises, but your electricity bill is set to fall. Key points: New figures from AEMO show the spot price for electricity fell almost 20 per cent in the last quarter of 2019 There have been periods when generators have had to pay to generate electricity, due to solar power flooding into …

Australia’s energy crisis: Heatwave-struck residents hit with $1.1BILLION power bill
6 years, 2 months ago

Australia’s energy crisis: Heatwave-struck residents hit with $1.1BILLION power bill

Daily Mail  

Heatwave-struck residents across two Australian states were hit with a $1.1 billion bill for just 48 hours' worth of energy last week. Heatwave-struck residents across two Australian states were hit with a $1.1 billion bill for just 48 hours' worth of energy last week Although electricity prices are worked out in advance through hedging contracts, experts have said that consumers …

Energy 'confusion-opoly' blamed for consumers paying too much for electricity
6 years, 4 months ago

Energy 'confusion-opoly' blamed for consumers paying too much for electricity

ABC  

Energy prices have become so confusing that at least 1 million Australian households are languishing on uncompetitive deals. Key points: On average, electricity prices have increased by 75 per cent since 2009, according to Vinnies Victoria, SA have seen biggest rises Analysis finds many households could be saving between $500 to $1,000 if they negotiate a better deal That's according …

Demand for Australia's thermal coal exports to be dire in future, IEEFA report warns
6 years, 5 months ago

Demand for Australia's thermal coal exports to be dire in future, IEEFA report warns

ABC  

Economists are predicting Australia's thermal coal exports to plummet faster than expected due to falling demand across Asia that appears permanent and irreversible. Key points: Thermal coal refers to coal that is used to make heat and, subsequently, produce power The report was commissioned by Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis The report's findings are at odds with industry …

Climate target set by IPCC requires 12 Australian coal-fired power stations to close: Parliamentary Library report
6 years, 5 months ago

Climate target set by IPCC requires 12 Australian coal-fired power stations to close: Parliamentary Library report

ABC  

Australia would need to shut 12 of its coal power stations by 2030 in order to do what the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says is necessary to avoid catastrophic effects of climate change. Key points: The IPCC said coal-generated power needed to drop by 78 per cent of 2010 levels The Parliamentary Library ran the numbers and, in Australia, …

The reality is new coal power is not the answer for cheaper electricity bills
6 years, 6 months ago

The reality is new coal power is not the answer for cheaper electricity bills

ABC  

The tipping point's been reached: renewable energy is now a cheaper source of power for Australia's future electricity needs than coal. The cold, hard numbers show that new renewable energy is supplying cheaper electricity than new coal-fired power plants could and will continue do so. Prices of electricity from new renewable energy projects are already far cheaper than the likely …

How government inaction fuelled Australia's renewable energy boom
6 years, 8 months ago

How government inaction fuelled Australia's renewable energy boom

ABC  

Another report, another plan and yet still, we are as far from political consensus over energy and the environment as ever. According to industry research group Green Energy Markets, renewable generation large and small made up 17.2 per cent of all Australian electricity generation in the June 2017 financial year and, with the current rush underway, is on track to …

Gas, not coal, the key to fixing Australia's electricity mess
7 years, 6 months ago

Gas, not coal, the key to fixing Australia's electricity mess

ABC  

AGL boss Andy Vesey made a fundamental miscalculation last week. Cost of new power generation Energy supply Cost of energy Solar $78-$140 Wind $61-$118 Ultra supercritical coal $134-$203 Coal with carbon capture and storage $352 Source: State of Solar 2016 How did we get here? Gas forgotten in energy debate As politicians continue trading barbs over the merits of renewable …

Electricity market struggling as coal-fired power stations shut down, regulator says
7 years, 6 months ago

Electricity market struggling as coal-fired power stations shut down, regulator says

ABC  

Australians could face higher power bills and more blackouts this summer because of deep-seated problems in the national electricity market, the energy regulator has warned. Key points: AEMO says electricity market struggling to provide reliable supply as grid loses "dispatchable" power Renewables cannot provide reliable power at all times without storage, report says AEMO is struggling to establish reserve of …

Power prices: Australia has a gold-plated electricity grid that consumers can't afford
7 years, 8 months ago

Power prices: Australia has a gold-plated electricity grid that consumers can't afford

ABC  

The Australian energy system stands as a monument to vested interests. Key points: The majority of a grid owners' income is guaranteed by the regulators' valuation of the network The Australian network is valued at $US75b, compared to the entire US network valued at $US100b When the grids' earnings fall, prices can go up to cover the shortfall It is …

Fears of winter gas shortage in Australia after power plant closures
7 years, 11 months ago

Fears of winter gas shortage in Australia after power plant closures

China Daily  

CANBERRA - Fears mount that Australia could suffer a gas shortage in the near future, following the closure of the Hazlewood brown coal power station last month. David Rylah from energy consultancy company Energy Action has said that some customers -- mostly commercial and industrial firms -- are paying up to 12 US dollars per gigajoule, up from levels of …

Fears of winter gas shortage in Australia after power plant closures
7 years, 11 months ago

Fears of winter gas shortage in Australia after power plant closures

China Daily  

Xinhua | Updated: 2017-04-04 10:22 CANBERRA - Fears mount that Australia could suffer a gas shortage in the near future, following the closure of the Hazlewood brown coal power station last month. David Rylah from energy consultancy company Energy Action has said that some customers -- mostly commercial and industrial firms -- are paying up to 12 US dollars per …

South Australia's power woes expose deeper problems with nation's energy security
8 years ago

South Australia's power woes expose deeper problems with nation's energy security

ABC  

Australia is rapidly stumbling into a major energy crisis, and there's little evidence to suggest the federal and state governments can agree on the solutions to fix it. In short, the sudden and unexpected closure of ageing coal plants at Hazelwood in Victoria this month and Port Augusta in South Australia last year are putting enormous pressure on power supply. …

The simple truth: Coal-fired generators have no future in Australia
8 years, 1 month ago

The simple truth: Coal-fired generators have no future in Australia

ABC  

Maybe it's the heat, or the unprecedented run of searing temperatures scorching the continent. The simple truth is that, despite the entertaining theatre of insults in the national capital, Australia's future power needs overwhelmingly will be provided by renewables and gas. Renewables v coal Sadly, much of the debate about our future power generation has become mired in political point-scoring …

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 …

Electricity prices could double with new coal-fired stations, energy experts say
8 years, 1 month ago

Electricity prices could double with new coal-fired stations, energy experts say

ABC  

Power prices for consumers could double, not fall, if new coal-fired power stations are built, according to energy experts. Key points: Australian Industry Group says new coal comparable in price to wind and solar Bloomberg estimates electricity prices from new coal power stations could rise to $160 per megawatt hour Ai Group says coal a much worse alternative than gas …

South Australia's enormous July power price spike sounds national electricity alarm: Grattan Institute
8 years, 6 months ago

South Australia's enormous July power price spike sounds national electricity alarm: Grattan Institute

ABC  

An extraordinary spike in South Australia's wholesale electricity price in July sounded an alarm across the five states that share the National Electricity Market, new data shows. His report said the July event was a "canary in the coalmine, warning of the risks in Australia's power future". "There is also a national electricity productivity plan which boosts productivity and efficiency …

Peak demand electricity price fluctuations hit South Australian businesses
8 years, 8 months ago

Peak demand electricity price fluctuations hit South Australian businesses

ABC  

A private power station in Adelaide has been asked to boost its output because some of South Australia's biggest businesses have been struggling to cope with a huge jump in their electricity prices at times of peak demand. The Government said a planned outage of the Heywood power interconnector with Victoria, higher gas prices and severe cold weather were to …

Energy Australia announces electricity price hike for South Australian customers
8 years, 9 months ago

Energy Australia announces electricity price hike for South Australian customers

ABC  

A third electricity provider within a week has announced it is increasing its charges for South Australian customers. Key points: Three energy companies announce price increases of between $117 and $260 a year Welfare agencies concerned as families struggle to pay bills Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis says people need to shop around for an energy provider Energy Australia has followed in …

Household energy prices increase despite drop in usage, Australian Bureau of Statistics says
9 years, 1 month ago

Household energy prices increase despite drop in usage, Australian Bureau of Statistics says

ABC  

Household energy prices have increased 61 per cent between 2008 and 2014 despite an overall drop in home energy use, new information from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has shown. Key points: Since 2002 energy use per household has decreased by 7 per cent Biggest impact on bills came from companies spending on infrastructure, energy analyst says Poles and wires …

Australia’s rising solar power ‘revolution’
10 years, 2 months ago

Australia’s rising solar power ‘revolution’

Al Jazeera  

Adelaide, Australia – Australian researchers broke the world’s solar power efficiency record last month with their design of a novel commercial energy system, raising hopes the fossil-fuel dominated country may someday switch off its reliance on coal. Led by Professor Martin Green, the University of New South Wales team worked with a local company to create a highly efficient solar …

Discover Related