South Australia is all set to become the world’s first non-hydro grid to reach 100% net renewables.
In news that wasn’t widely reported, the federal government has agreed to underwrite a minimum of 1,000 MW of new wind and solar plus another 400 MW / 1,600 MWh of storage to ensure the state meets its target.
“Net” 100% renewables means that while the state may not be powered entirely by renewables all of the time, the amount of electricity generated by wind and solar each year will equal what the state consumes each year. It will still be importing and exporting from neighbouring states, and will still use gas when needed.
The target was originally set for 2030 but was then brought forward to 2027 – a common theme in the energy transition as progress is made faster than expected.
South Australia is currently at 70% wind and solar – already a world leader – and a number of projects in the pipeline will help drive the state to 80% renewables over the coming year:
➡️ The 412 MW Goyder South wind farm (the largest in the state) is about to connect to the grid.
➡️ Several new batteries are under construction – Blyth, Hallett, Clements Gap and Templers as well as Tailem Bend.
The additional 1,000 MW of wind and solar and the 1,600 MWh of storage will then help propel the state towards 100%.
And this is generating interest from industry, with over 2 GW of load enquiries made to the state’s transmission company ElectraNet, all interested in the chance to source low cost and zero emissions green energy.
South Australia has been a renewable energy pioneer and it’s good to see the state continuing to be a world leader.
