Graph of the Day: SA higher gas output mirrors higher power price

This week, a series on South Australia – all using data from Global Roam’s excellent NEM Review software, which you can purchase here.

Today’s chart shows the relationship between the output of gas-fired power stations in South Australia, and the wholesale pool price in the same state.

The data below show a scatter plot between gas and price for ever hour in 2017, and it illustrates the simple fact that as gas power increases penetration in the state, the pool price is higher. This is because price is set by a bidding system, and the final bidder sets the price.

Gas has something of a monopoly in the state, in addition to the fuel costs being high because gas is mostly exported (leaving domestic reserves more expensive).

Click on ‘Full Screen’ to view full graph.
 Author: Ketan Joshi. Reproduced with permission.

Ketan Joshi is a European-based climate and energy consultant.

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