South Australia’s 82% Wind and Solar Success in December Quarter: A Model for Renewable Energy Transition

In a groundbreaking achievement, South Australia has reached a record average of 82 per cent renewables in the December quarter, showcasing a remarkable blueprint for the entire Australian grid to meet the federal government’s 2030 national target. What sets this milestone apart is that South Australia’s renewables share consists solely of wind and solar energy, challenging the misconceptions that these variable sources are unreliable. Despite limited storage capacity, the state has demonstrated the viability of a renewable-dominated grid.

Wind energy played a significant role in South Australia’s power mix during the December quarter, meeting 47.3 per cent of demand, followed by rooftop solar at 27.9 per cent. The state’s reliance on gas, the only remaining fossil fuel on the grid since the closure of the last coal generator in 2016, was supplemented by imports and exports. Notably, South Australia’s achievements stand as a testament to dispelling myths surrounding renewables and electric vehicles perpetuated by vested interests and a compliant media.

Transition to Renewables and Storage

Despite limited storage infrastructure, South Australia has made substantial progress in integrating renewables into its grid. The state’s pioneering initiatives include the Tesla big battery at Hornsdale, along with other utility-scale batteries, collectively contributing to just 0.8 per cent of total generation in the last quarter. These batteries primarily focus on providing essential grid services such as network support and frequency control, showcasing the potential for battery storage to outperform traditional gas generators in certain scenarios.

As South Australia continues its journey towards achieving “net” 100 per cent renewables, the state is investing in additional battery storage projects like the Torrens Island battery and the Blyth battery. These developments aim to enhance grid stability and support the transition to a renewable energy future. Furthermore, the state’s decreasing reliance on traditional fossil fuel backup highlights the evolving role of battery and inverter technologies in meeting grid requirements.

Future Challenges and Opportunities

Looking ahead, South Australia faces the challenge of scaling up storage capacity to support higher levels of renewable energy penetration. While short-duration batteries can address daily fluctuations in generation, long-duration storage solutions will be crucial for ensuring continuous power supply from wind and solar sources. The state’s commitment to expanding its battery storage infrastructure reflects a proactive approach towards achieving sustainable energy goals.

With emissions in South Australia witnessing a significant decline and wholesale prices becoming more competitive, the transition to renewables is not only environmentally beneficial but also economically viable. As the state progresses towards its renewable energy targets, the focus shifts towards implementing innovative storage solutions and enhancing grid resilience to support a cleaner and more affordable energy system.

As South Australia sets an example for the rest of the country, the transition to higher levels of renewables presents a transformative opportunity for the national grid. By leveraging a diverse mix of renewable sources and storage technologies, Australia can pave the way for a more sustainable and reliable energy future, driving down costs and reducing carbon emissions.