Record Wind and Solar Curtailment in Australia Surpasses 10 GW
On Sunday, Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM) witnessed an unprecedented event as wind and solar curtailment exceeded 10 gigawatts for the first time. The total curtailment peaked at 10.21 GW, surpassing the previous record by nearly 1.5 GW, while electricity demand fell to a new low of 9.5 GW around 1pm.
Energy experts have hailed the day as remarkable, with Geoff Eldridge from GPE NEMWatch noting that numerous records were broken, particularly during the midday hours. The standout achievement was the curtailment of wind and solar energy, which had never before reached such heights on the NEM.
Record-Breaking Curtailment Figures
The curtailment figure of 10.21 GW not only set a new record but also exceeded the electricity demand at that time, which was notably low. Additionally, wind curtailment alone surpassed 5 GW for the first time, with Victoria experiencing the most significant impact, recording 3.5 GW of wind curtailment.
South Australia and Victoria also saw substantial curtailment peaks, with figures reaching 4.6 GW and 8.4 GW respectively. Eldridge highlighted that the total curtailment represented an impressive 114 per cent of total demand, marking the highest level since October of the previous year, when it was 106 per cent. Victoria set a new record with curtailment hitting 156 per cent of its demand.
Understanding the Surplus and Its Implications
Eldridge pointed out that the curtailment record of 107 per cent of total grid demand (excluding rooftop solar contributions) illustrates the significant gap between energy availability and system absorption capabilities. From 9.15 am to 3.10 pm, renewable energy production and curtailment consistently exceeded native demand, indicating a sustained surplus throughout the day.
He explained that the presence of rooftop solar is reducing the need for dispatchable generation. On average, for every 1 MW of rooftop solar output, there was 0.8 MW of wind and solar energy curtailed. With coal generation operating at or near minimum levels, and several units offline in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, the situation underscores the need for greater flexibility in the energy system.
The Path Forward for Renewable Energy Integration
Eldridge emphasised the importance of enhancing system flexibility through storage solutions, electric vehicles, and dynamic tariffs to better utilise surplus renewable energy. While some battery charging and pumped hydro systems have helped mitigate curtailment, he noted that much more is required, along with the potential to shift energy loads to align with sunny periods when curtailment is high.
He posed a critical question regarding which strategies—batteries, transmission improvements, demand-shifting, or regulatory reforms—would most effectively reduce curtailment in the upcoming spring. These records not only showcase the progress made in renewable energy but also highlight the ongoing need for improved system integration and flexibility.
