Most readers will already know of the Paris Climate Agreement, that states by stopping the increase in global average temperatures by 2⁰C, countries can slow the effects of climate change. It’s a goal that many nations around the world are currently working towards.
But how many readers are aware that South Australia is already leading the way, both nationally and internationally, by smashing its sustainable power targets. A new report entitled A Grid Dominated by Wind and Solar is Possible, South Australia: A Window into the Future, notes that in 2020, over 60% of South Australia’s power came from renewable energy sources; the breakdown of which is: 13% rooftop solar, 4% utility-scale solar, and 42% wind1. In October 2020, 100% of power demand was supplied by solar energy: a first for any major jurisdiction in the world2. One hour might not seem much, but as recently as fifteen years ago, in 2006, the state was wholly reliant on coal-based3 electricity generation4.
The report outlines the path taken by the South Australian government to integrate large amounts of variable renewable energy generation into the electricity system. Interestingly, the report notes the lessons learned throughout this journey, in order for other regions to avoid pitfalls and problems. Primarily, South Australia’s success with renewable energy generation proves that ‘there is potential to drive significant economic growth through…decarbonisation policies and programs5‘.
The World Economic Forum notes that the future can be more sustainable, provided countries all transition to renewable energy generation, following the lead of South Australia. This will lead to a less polluted world, lowering the risk of heart and respiratory disease, strokes and other life-threatening diseases. The transition can also lower energy bills for businesses, families and individuals. Furthermore, mitigating the impact caused by climate change will mean fewer floods, storms, droughts and other natural disasters6. Renewable energy generation is a critical first step to a brighter future for the world.
Sustainability and reliability in assets results in a more sustainable future for our planet. It starts with ambitious goals and small shifts.
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1 Sourced: https://ieefa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/A-Grid-Dominated-by-Wind-and-Solar-Is-Possible_June-2021.pdf p.2
2 Sourced: https://ieefa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/A-Grid-Dominated-by-Wind-and-Solar-Is-Possible_June-2021.pdf p.12
3 Sourced: https://ieefa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/A-Grid-Dominated-by-Wind-and-Solar-Is-Possible_June-2021.pdf p.12
4 Sourced: https://opennem.org.au/energy/sa1/?range=all&interval=1y
5 Sourced: https://ieefa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/A-Grid-Dominated-by-Wind-and-Solar-Is-Possible_June-2021.pdf p.19
6 Sourced: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/02/renewable-energy-future-carbon-emissions