The Australian wind energy industry achieved a milestone in January, with wind generation exceeding hydro generation for the first time.
According to data compiled by Green Energy Markets, the wind industry boosted production to its highest level in six months -thanks to good wind speeds – while hydro generation fell sharply from previous years, mostly as a result of the carbon price repeal, which has removed much of the incentive for the hydro generators to increase production.
This graph below illustrates the change. In January, wind energy generated 893,352MWh, while hydro generated 884,730MWh.
The GEM data shows that NEM wind generators achieved more than 36 per cent capacity factor in the month of January, the highest level in six months.Wind farm generators such as Infigen Energy recorded significantly lower generation in the six months to December due to lower wind speeds.
As for hydro, the output from most generators (other than Dartmouth) is well below their average baseline levels at the end of January. Hydro generation from Tasmania in particular, is 38 per cent below levels at the same time a year ago – when hydro plants there generated a lot to take advantage of carbon price.
Total hydro generation over the last three months has been at its lowest level for more than three years. i.e. since before the carbon price was introduced.
However, the overall share of renewable energy in Australia in January fell to 11.7 per cent, compared to its peak of more than 18 per cent in August, September and October in 2013. The figure does not include the nearly 4,000GW of rooftop solar, which accounts for between two and three per cent of overall demand, although much of it is not metered.
What happens when the wind don't blow and the sun don't shine? Australia got a…
Australia and Turkey have revealed the global oil crisis will prompt a major focus on…
Federal Labor commits new investment to fund state social housing upgrades like rooftop solar, electric…
Power expert Keith Middleton discusses how the growth in data centres, properly regulated, won't break…
Mine backed by Australia's richest renewables critic secures $1.2 billion in government funds to ensure…
Solar glass pioneer says certification for this completely in-house designed product will give the company…
