Wind and Solar Output Reaches New Peak in Australia’s Main Grid
On Monday morning, Australia’s main electricity grid achieved a remarkable milestone as the output from large-scale wind and solar energy reached an unprecedented peak of 13,360 megawatts (MW). This new record eclipsed the previous high of 12,622 MW set in late June.
The record was logged at 9:20 am, according to data from GPE NEMlog, with large-scale solar contributing 6,702 MW and large-scale wind adding 6,667 MW, collectively accounting for approximately 44.3 per cent of the market share at that moment.
Renewable Energy Share and Future Prospects
When factoring in an additional 5,400 MW from rooftop solar installations, the total renewable energy share climbed to around 62 per cent, although this is still below the record high of over 75 per cent. Just five years ago, the instantaneous output for large-scale wind and solar was a mere 6,500 MW.
Looking ahead, further records are anticipated this spring as numerous new projects are nearing completion. Among these are the 1.33 GW Golden Plains, the 930 MW MacIntyre, the 412.5 MW Goyder South, and the 400 MW Clarke Creek wind projects. Additionally, solar initiatives such as the 400 MW Culcairn and Stubbo solar farms are also in the pipeline.
