Antinuclear

In heat wave electricity supply strained, but solar sources reduce strain

Heatwave Strains SA And VIC Electricity Networks http://www.energymatters.com.au/index.php?main_page=news_article&article_id=4127   16 Jan A The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) says extreme temperatures in Victoria and South Australia and associated high electricity demand is placing significant strain on the national power system.

The organisation says the situation is such that it has triggered the potential for load shedding to occur in parts of both states.

Both South Australia and Victoria have recorded the highest levels of electricity consumption since January 2009, with a maximum demand of 10,151 MW recorded in Victoria and 3,046 MW recorded in South Australia on Wednesday.

In recent days, demand has pushed the wholesale price of electricity to the maximum allowed $13,000 per megawatt-hour – or $13 per kilowatt hour – in South Australia and above $12,000 per megawatt hour in Victoria. (View 24-hour National Electricity Market Demand And Price Graphs).

While price spikes to such a level have been brief during the heatwave event so far, the situation could have been more sustained if not for the many thousands of rooftop solar panel systems installed in both states that are assisting in offsetting the electricity consumed by increased air-conditioner usage.

According to solar provider Energy Matters, 750,000 domestic air-conditioners units were installed in 2013 in Australia, bringing the total number of household units nationally to over 9.2 million.

In other news from the AEMO, its latest report on South Australia shows the price of renewables rapidly dropping. In terms of economic efficiency, the AEMO says gas, wind, and biomass remain the most viable investment options over the next few years in South Australia, based on projected costs over a 30-year plant life.

The report notes embedded rooftop PV installation in South Australia generated 497 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity during 2012-13; 18.5% of Australia’s total PV output.

The South Australian Fuel And Technology Report can be viewed in full here (PDF).

January 16, 2014 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | General News