Australia’s electricity system, particularly in Victoria and South Australia, prepares for potential disruptions this summer. This is largely due to the anticipated El Niño weather pattern, which brings with it extreme heat and calm, windless days. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has released an urgent warning regarding the risks associated with the slow transition from coal to cleaner energy sources. Coupled with potential shortages in coal and gas, there’s an increased likelihood of blackouts. AEMO’s recent projections highlight the critical need for investments, especially with nearly two-thirds of the nation’s coal power plants slated for closure by 2033.

The journey towards a greener energy sector is fraught with challenges. Key among them is the planned 2025 closure of the Eraring coal generator in NSW. AEMO suggests reconsidering such drastic steps to avoid potential power interruptions. Gas plant shutdowns also pose a challenge. There’s a plan to introduce about 3.4GW of new power generation and storage by this summer. Projects such as Snowy 2.0 in NSW promise to fortify the power grid by 2032-33, but concerns over delays and cost overruns persist.

With El Niño returning after three relatively mild La Niña summers, the grid faces further strain. This is exacerbated by the increasing popularity of electric vehicles and a shift towards electric heating, especially in areas like Victoria. However, Sarah McNamara of the Australian Energy Council remains optimistic. She believes Australia can navigate these challenges effectively with appropriate strategies and market-driven investments.

This is a summary article from Edge2020 – read the original article.

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