South Australia Achieves 100% Wind and Solar Energy for a Week
In a remarkable achievement, South Australia—recognised as the nation’s leading renewables hub—has seen its net renewable energy generation exceed 100 per cent of state demand over the past week. This follows an impressive tally of more than 90 per cent renewables sustained over the last 28 days.
This isn’t the first time South Australia has achieved a full 100 per cent renewable energy output; a similar feat was observed during the Christmas/New Year period. However, this latest milestone stands out significantly, particularly as the state relies solely on variable wind and solar energy sources, lacking any hydroelectric or biomass contributions.
Steady Growth in Renewable Energy
Over the past year, South Australia has maintained an average of approximately 75 per cent in its renewable energy mix, a figure that has seen little increase in recent times. However, this is expected to change with the full operation of the state’s largest wind farm, the Goyder wind farm, boasting a capacity of 412.5 MW.
Aiming for 100 Per Cent Net Renewables by 2027
The state government has set an ambitious goal of achieving an average of 100 per cent “net” renewables by the end of 2027. This initiative will be bolstered by the completion of a significant new transmission link connecting to New South Wales and the ongoing expansion of the state’s battery storage capabilities, which are projected to total around 20 by that time.
The term “net” renewables indicates that the state is prepared to export excess power to neighbouring regions when the demand falls below supply. Conversely, it can also import power when necessary. Notably, large batteries play a vital role in this dynamic, sometimes accounting for up to 40 per cent of the state’s demand during peak evening hours.
Innovations Supporting a Fully Renewable Grid
With the introduction of the new link to New South Wales and the deployment of four synchronous condensers—machines that support grid stability—paired with battery grid-forming inverters, the market operator anticipates operating the grid without any reliance on gas generators at certain times. This transition will enable the state to achieve a clear 100 per cent renewable operation.
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