Earlier this month, South Australia achieved undoubtedly a world first, meeting its entire energy demand with renewable sources for over 10 days. During this time, wind turbines contributed 64.4% of the power, while photovoltaic panels and solar installations recorded 29.5% and 6.2% respectively. In this remarkable feat, it is worth communicating that wind and solar power were only operating at 10% of their maximum capacities.
In an environmental victory, natural gas played an exceedingly minor role during this time, contributing an average of just 114 megawatts. In the same period the previous year, the region exceeded its energy needs by 142% through renewable means. The construction of the Hornsdale Power Reserve, a 150 MW grid-connected energy system, in 2017 has been instrumental in harnessing and storing this renewable energy.
By successfully meeting its energy demand renewably, South Australia stands a testament to cleaner, more sustainable power generation; it demonstrates the feasibility of green energy transitions and paves the way forward in our fight against climate change.
Source: Parkinson, Giles. RenewEconomy. "South Australia’s remarkable 100 per cent renewables run extends to over 10 days". https://reneweconomy.com.au/south-australias-remarkable-100-per-cent-renewables-run-extends-to-over-10-days/. 21/12/2021[Date accessed: 29/12/2021]
Edited by: Ansh Pincha
Comments