https://www.engineeringnews.co.za
Coal|Energy|Gas|Power|Renewable Energy|Resources|Solar|System
Coal|Energy|Gas|Power|Renewable Energy|Resources|Solar|System
coal|energy|gas|power|renewable-energy|resources|solar|system

Coal and gas to remain Aus energy backbone - Minister

4th June 2021

By: Esmarie Iannucci

Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor: Australasia

     

Font size: - +

PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Federal Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor has again reiterated the need for coal and gas in the Australian energy mix, despite the increase in the use of renewable energy options.

The 2021 Australian Energy Statistics, released by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, has shown that some 24% of Australia’s electricity came from renewable sources last year, up from 21% in 2019.

The increase was driven by an uptake in solar installations, with solar power now accounting for some 9% of total generation, up from 7% in 2019, with one in four Australian homes having solar power.

However, Taylor said on Friday that the pace of growth in renewables only highlighted the important role that more traditional and reliable sources of energy would play in the system.

He said that the increase in renewable energy use underscored the need for continued essential generation from dispatchable sources to balance and complement the high levels of variable supply entering the energy system to deliver affordable, reliable power for consumers.

He noted that gas-fired generation grew in Queensland and the Northern Territory last year, with overall generation remaining relatively stable in recent years.

Coal also continued to be the backbone of our electricity supply, representing 54% of total generation in 2020 and playing an essential role as a stable, baseload source of affordable and reliable power.

Taylor said the federal government is ensuring Australia’s record level of renewable energy is complemented by dispatchable generation. 

“My focus is ensuring Australia’s energy system remains reliable and affordable for all Australians,” Taylor said.

“The government is taking strong action to stabilise the grid and get the energy generation balance right to ensure Australians can access the reliable and affordable power they need, when they need it.

“We are a renewable energy powerhouse, and this is something we should be proud of, but renewables need reliable generation to back them up and maintain pressure on prices when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing.

“Reliable sources of energy, like coal and gas, will continue to be needed to keep the lights on and deliver 24/7 power for households and businesses as more and more renewables enter the system.”

Edited by Creamer Media Reporter

Comments

Showroom

Booyco Electronics
Booyco Electronics

Booyco Electronics, South African pioneer of Proximity Detection Systems, offers safety solutions for underground and surface mining, quarrying,...

VISIT SHOWROOM 
Universal Storage Systems (SA)
Universal Storage Systems (SA)

South African leader in Steel -Racking, -Shelving, and -Mezzanine flooring. Universal has innovated an approach which encompasses conceptualising,...

VISIT SHOWROOM 

Latest Multimedia

sponsored by

Option 1 (equivalent of R125 a month):

Receive a weekly copy of Creamer Media's Engineering News & Mining Weekly magazine
(print copy for those in South Africa and e-magazine for those outside of South Africa)
Receive daily email newsletters
Access to full search results
Access archive of magazine back copies
Access to Projects in Progress
Access to ONE Research Report of your choice in PDF format

Option 2 (equivalent of R375 a month):

All benefits from Option 1
PLUS
Access to Creamer Media's Research Channel Africa for ALL Research Reports, in PDF format, on various industrial and mining sectors including Electricity; Water; Energy Transition; Hydrogen; Roads, Rail and Ports; Coal; Gold; Platinum; Battery Metals; etc.

Already a subscriber?

Forgotten your password?

MAGAZINE & ONLINE

SUBSCRIBE

RESEARCH CHANNEL AFRICA

SUBSCRIBE

CORPORATE PACKAGES

CLICK FOR A QUOTATION







sq:0.14 0.196s - 158pq - 2rq
Subscribe Now