Australia’s sizzling summer is about to put the electricity grid to the test as the Australian Energy Market Operator issues a new heat warning. In a heat wave electricity supply is particularly tested by the demand for air conditioning.
AEMO’s weather service provider issued forecast temperatures this week for Victoria that are equal to or greater than the Generation Capacity Reference Temperatures. On Saturday, Melbourne will experience 42 degree heat, according to forecasts.
AEMO issues warnings when temperatures approach its Generation Capacity Reference Temperatures. These temperatures are the limits beyond which power supplies begin to feel the strain of keeping the population cool.
High temperatures trigger regulator warnings on heat wave electricity supply
Currently the trigger temperatures for AEMO power warnings are:
- QUEENSLAND – Brisbane Area 37°C.
- NEW SOUTH WALES – Sydney Area 42°C.
- VICTORIA – Melbourne Area 41°C.
- SOUTH AUSTRALIA – Adelaide Area 43°C.
- TASMANIA – George Town 30°C.
- BASSLINK- (Latrobe Valley Airport 43°C and George Town 33°C)
AEMO is asking electricity providers to:
- Review the weather forecast in their generator locations; and
- If required, update their offered capacities consistent with the forecast temperatures.
South Australia’s 100 MW Tesla battery is already supplying electricity relief to the state grid. This week Victoria also signed an agreement for a 20 MW battery for its Bulgana Green Power Hub near Stawell.
Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio described the agreement as “a major step forward for communities, businesses and the renewable energy industry”.
Will NSW follow suit on big battery storage?
NSW is also under pressure to construct its own battery to meet increased summer demand that may cause electricity grid outages.
NSW Labor Leader Luke Foley criticised the Berejiklian Government for failing to develop large-scale storage.
“Battery storage is essential to ensuring the supply of energy at the times of greatest demand,” Mr Foley told SMH.
“I call on the government to immediately tender for 100 megawatts of storage to be delivered and in place for this coming summer.”
A spokesperson for NSW Energy Minister Don Harwin said the government was “excited” by the opportunities batteries present to both cut household power bills and boost security of supply.
“We continue to monitor technological advancements and are aware that new renewable energy projects are considering incorporating batteries,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting 45 degrees for the Sydney suburb of Penrith on Sunday.
