NSW) Government published the NSW Net Zero Industry and Innovation Program (
Program) as part of the NSW Net Zero Plan Stage 1: 2020-2030, which aims to achieve a 35% reduction in emissions compared to 2005 levels. AU$750 million will be invested under the Program by 2030 to help realise that aim.
The Program has three areas of focus:
Clean Technology Innovation - supporting the development of emerging clean technologies, including hydrogen. AU$195 million has been earmarked for this area.
New Low Carbon Industry Foundations - creating the foundations for low emissions industries by building infrastructure and expanding the capability of supply chains. AU$175 million in funding has been allocated for this objective.
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Reforms to the National Electricity Market are being encouraged by the Queensland Government to future proof the state’s energy supply and crucially, its significant CQ-based workforce.
The calls from the Palaszczuk Government come after the Energy Security Board chair, Dr Kerry Schott, said the influx of renewable energy and the retirement of coal fired power generation must be factored into a redesigned market.
Coal fired power stations at Gladstone, Biloela and Stanwell employ thousands and provide a positive contribution to the region’s economy, but Dr Schott warned it was impossible to overstate the rapid developments in the sector.
Date Time
Electricity market blueprint needs care or costs will blow out
“The electricity market renovations developed by the Energy Security Board include many strong ideas that will deliver better results for energy users as the system rapidly transitions. But there are risks from some over-ambitious extensions; the looming disappearance of the architect; and the lack of clarity and coordination from the governments who will decide on the final plans,” Innes Willox, Chief Executive of national employer association Ai Group, said today.
“Australia’s existing coal generation fleet is clearly going to retire much faster than once expected, thanks to unfavourable economics and ageing equipment more than emissions goals. Managing that exit without disaster, and redesigning our system to function well with the very high levels of renewables that are bound to follow, are essential if industry and households are to prosper.
Victoria lawmakers launch solar aggregation pilot
Image: Solar Victoria.
Lawmakers in Victoria, Australia, have unveiled a new solar aggregation pilot scheme, and have called for energy companies to become partners in the programme.
The pilot will establish local networks of houses in the state that have installed solar PV panels and battery energy storage systems (BESS) to create virtual power plants (VPPs). Any excess energy created by the residential solar and stored in batteries will then be transmitted to the grid when it is most needed, according to a statement from Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews.
The pilot is intended to encourage more Victoria residents to adopt solar PV systems, while also easing rising demand on the grid.
22 April 2021
The electricity industry is making a rapid transition towards 100% renewable energy, but do we know for sure how to keep the grid stable without any old-style, ‘synchronous’ coal generators?
Australia’s energy ministers are poised to release a proposal from Energy Security Board for a redesign of the National Electricity Market. This question of ‘security’ will be a key issue.
Historically, coal generators have supplied up to four-fifths of Australia’s electricity. Since 2010, 12 coal power stations have retired and there are 18 left in the NEM.
In March 2021 EnergyAustralia announced it would close the Yallourn power station in 2028. We need to redesign the system to be secure without coal.