Wind energy smashed generation records three times in less than a week, according to Dylan McConnell, an energy expert at the University of Melbourne, and Paul McArdle from Global Roam.
Last Tuesday, wind farms generated 5.899GW for the National Electricity Market (NEM), a record that stood until Saturday evening when generation exceeded 6GW for the first time, climbing to 6.12GW at 8.25pm.
That peak lasted barely 24 hours, with wind turbines smashing a fresh record of 6.428GW at 8.05pm (AEST) on Sunday evening.
The average renewable energy output in Australia’s main grid was more than 50 per cent from around 10.30am to 3pm.
All-up renewables were providing about 14GW of power to the NEM during Sunday, meeting more than half the demand. “[It’s] not quite a record, but getting close,” Dr McConnell said.
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That power came in handy after Alinta’s Loy Yang B tripped on Saturday night, temporarily knocking 58MW of capacity out.
The renewables sector, meanwhile, will launch on Monday its national ‘Renewable Energy Is Here Now’ campaign to draw attention to its expansion with an eye to the next federal election.
“We know most Australians support renewable energy, but the climate debate has meant that a minority of loud voices have misled the public, resulting in some Australians feeling uncertain about a future powered by clean energy,” Clean Energy Council chief Kane Thornton said.
“This campaign is about ensuring all Australians are certain about the facts and feel part of the exciting transition already taking place.”
