WA's South West grid to be boosted by four new batteries
All the storage is due to be connected to the grid before the first of WA's coal-fired power stations closes.
The Australian Energy Market Operator operates the National Electricity Market in eastern Australia and the Wholesale Electricity Market in WA.
The south-west grid shattered numerous records in late 2024 as new batteries and more rooftop solar replaced unavailable coal-fired power.
The ten-year forecast stops short of when gas could become very scarce and expensive in Australia's most gas-dependent state.
Ahead of opposition leader Peter Dutton releasing costs for his nuclear policy this week, for the seventh straight year renewables were the lowest-cost new power generation technology.
Solar is "an uncontrollable generation source" making life hard for operators of the South West grid, according to an annual review of the network by operator AEMO.
Two huge new wind farms and more solar panels in WA's South West displaced coal and gas last quarter giving a win-win of lower prices and emissions.
As wind and solar displaces coal the South West of WA will have ample generation, according to a 10-year look ahead, with the growth of electric vehicles being the big unknown.
The WA domestic gas market needs an exploration boost and more supply from the Gorgon project if it is to meet rising demand over the next 10 years.
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