Figure 1 – Duck Curve
The global energy crisis has underscored the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions. Renewable technologies, including solar, wind, hydro, and battery storage, are being deployed worldwide to mitigate CO2 emissions. While these innovations are promising, they are not yet capable of delivering a full reliable, round-the-clock energy supply. (Uhlmann, 2024)
Currently, renewable energy systems depend on favourable environmental conditions, such as sunlight and wind, which can fluctuate. This intermittency necessitates the continued reliance on conventional power plants to meet energy demands during periods of low renewable output and to charge the battery storage systems. Although advancements in battery technology are progressing, they remain reliant on conventional energy sources for backup and optimal functionality. (Uhlmann, 2024)
The phased closure of coal-fired power plants marks a significant step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, this transition has contributed to rising electricity costs for households. While initiatives like increased government subsidies provide some relief, they do not fully address the financial burden on consumers. (Energy.gov.au, 2024)
Renewable energy technologies are rapidly evolving but remain incomplete in their ability to meet the full spectrum of energy needs. A hybrid approach, integrating renewables with traditional power plants, is currently essential to ensure a stable and consistent electrical supply.
Gas generators are crucial for maintaining reliability in a net-zero power system. They provide essential flexibility in wind and solar output, especially during morning and evening peak demand periods. With the closure of coal power plant, Gas generators plays a crucial role in maintaining electricity supply, especially when solar and wind energy are unavailable, particularly during winter. They are also essential for charging battery storage systems. Unfortunately, other than coal power plants, Gas Generators are the only available conventional plants there is, that can carry the weight of shutting down coal power plants. While Gas Generators are not a long-term solution in net-zero emissions, it can be used as transitional technology while we build more renewable energy infrastructure.
There were studies to blend hydrogen to natural gas to minimize CO2 emission of Gas Generators, but the infrastructure is still not available and further feasibility studies are required. The shift to Hydrogen powered Generators is a welcome treat to achieve net-zero but the technology is still under development and on trials. The market for hydrogen powered generator is not yet popular due to high risk of hydrogen storage and producing “green” hydrogen (from renewable source) is energy-intensive and expensive. (Briault, 2021 )
Nuclear Power Plant is viable due to its low carbon emissions and energy reliability, however, the challenges of upfront costs, waste management, and public acceptance must be addressed. Also, development of Nuclear Power Plant would take at least 10 to 15 years, and shutting down coal power plant will make Gas Generators more viable in the meantime.
It is perplexing that Australia, despite being one of the top five natural gas producers globally, is now seeing its eastern states preparing to import gas to meet domestic demand. (Mercer, 2024)
In conclusion, while the shift toward renewable energy is an exciting and necessary development, substantial work remains to fully unlock its potential. The goal is to achieve a sustainable, cost-effective, and reliable energy system that meets the demands of households and industries alike, thus saving our environment for our children’s future.
With the fast-phased transition to renewable energy, I wonder if we really aim to achieve net-zero or is it all just for business profit.
References
Briault, T. (2021 , November ). Arup . Retrieved from www.arup.com : https://www.arup.com/insights/when-will-hydrogen-become-a-cost-competitive-industry/#:~:text=Current%20estimates%20show%20blue%20hydrogen,decade%20for%20this%20to%20occur.
Energy.gov.au. (2024). Energy BIll Relief Fund 2024-2025. Retrieved from Energy.gov.au: https://www.energy.gov.au/energy-bill-relief-fund
Mercer, J. N. (2024, September 5). Once unthinkable, gas giant Australia is set to import supplies for the first time. Retrieved from abc.net.au: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-05/gas-giant-australia-prepares-to-import-gas-as-shortage-looms/104303824
Synergy. (n.d.). Synergy . Retrieved from Synergy Website : https://www.synergy.net.au/Blog/2021/10/Everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-Duck-Curve
Uhlmann, C. (2024, November). SkyNews Australia. Retrieved from youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbxpieEQ7bc&t=1055s
[1] ChatGPT used for English Structure improvement.
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