Western Australia Achieves 100% Demand with Solar and Wind Power
Over the weekend, solar and wind energy achieved an impressive milestone in Western Australia’s isolated grid, fulfilling 100 per cent of energy demand at several points on Sunday morning. The state’s expanding battery resources enabled coal and gas generators to operate in the background, showcasing a significant advancement in the green energy transition.
The W.A. grid, which operates independently from other states, is quickly becoming a key area of interest for renewable energy development, primarily due to the substantial influence of rooftop solar systems and the consistent generation of variable renewable energy.
Remarkable Energy Generation Statistics
At 9.35 am local time on Sunday, the combined output from wind and solar reached 2,650 megawatts (MW), with an additional 48 MW contributed by bioenergy, satisfying a net demand of 2,613 MW. Gross demand was even greater, with the state’s major batteries—highlighted by the two largest located in Collie—absorbing 443 MW, playing a crucial role in stabilising the grid.
This contribution from large-scale batteries was vital as it enabled the market operator to maintain a minimum level of coal and gas generation necessary for grid stability, ensuring a proactive response to any potential disruptions.
At that moment, the proportion of renewable generation in the W.A. grid, officially referred to as the South West Interconnected System, soared to 88.7 per cent. This achievement is noteworthy, especially in light of sceptics who argue such high levels are unfeasible for a modern economy.
Renewable Energy Trends and Comparisons
According to Rob Grant’s LinkedIn post, renewable energy sources met 56 per cent of grid demand over the week, surpassing the eastern region’s main grid, which managed only 50 per cent during the same timeframe. However, the question of how to define 100 per cent renewable energy has sparked discussions among energy experts and authorities.
South Australia, for instance, regularly hits 100 per cent renewable energy based on its wind and solar contributions compared to state demand. The region aims for a target of 100 per cent “net” renewable energy by the end of 2027, which includes balancing imports and exports with neighbouring states.
In contrast, Western Australia lacks such connections and relies heavily on storing its excess renewable energy in large-scale batteries. Consequently, comparisons drawn between gross and net load figures are likely to vary depending on individual perspectives.
Future of Energy Generation in Western Australia
The definitive achievement of “real” 100 per cent renewable energy will be realised when all fossil fuel generators are halted, similar to what has been frequently observed in smaller, isolated grids like those used in mining operations. For example, the Bellevue gold mine recently reported an impressive 101 consecutive hours of running entirely on renewable sources.
As Western Australia approaches the end of the decade, it is anticipated that the last of the state’s coal generators will retire, along with potentially the final privately-owned coal-fired generator. The future will likely see an increased reliance on gas generation whilst the operator assesses whether to maintain a certain number of “always on” gas units or transition towards alternative solutions, such as synchronous condensers and grid-forming inverters, for essential grid services.
Significance of System Security in Renewable Energy Transition
A recent report titled Transition Plan for System Security, released by AEMO, underscores the growing significance of maintaining grid stability as it indicates that the largest grid in the country, New South Wales, may operate without coal as early as 2031.
While it seems feasible for a grid the size of New South Wales to function similarly to Bellevue Gold in theory, practically, larger grids face more risks and have greater implications for the populace. Thus, the market operator must prepare for a variety of scenarios amid the rapid expansion of renewable energy resources, the increasing use of consumer energy innovations, and significant technological advancements regarding grid-forming inverters.
This ongoing dialogue concerning the energy sector’s future continues to captivate attention as developments unfold.
