Australian renewable energy output in the last quarter reached a record high, indicating its essential contribution to the market.
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) released it quarterly energy dynamics (QED) report in January 2023, which indicated that peak renewable contribution records continue to be broken.
AEMO Executive General Manager Reform Delivery, Violette Mouchaileh, said that transmission failure in South Australia saw the state lose normal connection with the National Electricity Market (NEM).
This event resulted in a spike in demand for local frequency control ancillary services. Follwoing this, the contribution of renewables peaked at 91.5 per cent on 19 November.
“This was possible with the support of four new synchronous condensers that are strategically placed within the SA network, providing system strength services that are traditionally offered by coal, gas, and hydro,” said Mouchaileh.
“This event was a glimpse of the future, when both batteries and gas generation will be key to Australia realising its renewable potential.”
Growth in the production of renewable energy, combined with the lowest output from coal-fired generation since the start of the NEM, saw a record reduction in emissions at 5.6 per cent less than Q4 2021.
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