News & Discussion: Electricity Infrastructure

[SBD]

What are the consequences of Neoen being "exempted from holding a licence for the transmission line"? What would be the consequence of it not being exempted?

Is ESCOSA supporting the needs of SA electricity consumers, or supporting foreign investment (if they are not aligned)?

[PeFe]

I presume obtaining a "public" licence for the transmission line would entail more expense and stricter safety rules ie making the transmission line totally separate from the public carriageway (the road or footpath)

However as it is being built on private property and subject to safety standards that match its industrial licence a "public" licence was not deemed necessary.

Another analogy would be a farmer driving a truck around his property without a truck licence.....all fine until he wants to drive on a public road and then the "appropriate" licence is needed.

[1NEEDS2POST]

What are the consequences of Neoen being "exempted from holding a licence for the transmission line"? What would be the consequence of it not being exempted?

Is ESCOSA supporting the needs of SA electricity consumers, or supporting foreign investment (if they are not aligned)?

Presumably the main consequence is they don't have to allow anyone else to use it. It's 33 km, it's not a big deal.

[SBD]

What are the consequences of Neoen being "exempted from holding a licence for the transmission line"? What would be the consequence of it not being exempted?

Is ESCOSA supporting the needs of SA electricity consumers, or supporting foreign investment (if they are not aligned)?

Presumably the main consequence is they don't have to allow anyone else to use it. It's 33 km, it's not a big deal.

I agree - the only thing on one end is Neoen's power station. There can be no electrons on the wire that didn't come from there so there must be some reason it needed to be either licensed or exempted, because we don't hear an announcement like that for the feed-in line from every new power station.

[PeFe]

Another battery proposal....this time near Gawler.

From Renew Economy

Zen Energy unveils big battery plans, with a first project ready to go on its home turf



Ross Garnaut-led retailer Zen Energy has announced plans to develop its first big battery, after buying up a 111MW/270MWh project near Gawler in South Australia.

Zen said on Thursday it had acquired the more than $200 million Templers Battery Project from RES, marking the latest addition to “baseload renewables” portfolio.

“We are building our first utility-scale battery in South Australia, the state where it all began for Zen,” said Zen CEO Anthony Garnaut.

Zen says the project, located around 60km north of Adelaide, has received approval to connect to the grid, with RES having run an efficient Generation Performance Standards (GPS) approval process in partnership with AEMO and ElectraNet.

The Templers big battery is on track to complete financing arrangements in coming months, with construction planned to commence in the second half of 2023.

Zen says it expects the project to take around 15 months to build and that the big battery will be fully energised by the end of 2024.

The company plans to use the Templers battery to support the delivery of energy to its existing South Australia-based customers, as well as for grid-stability services for the wider National Electricity Market.

“Storage plays a critical role in allowing more renewable energy into the grid,” said Garnaut in a statement.

“When it is commissioned in late 2024, the Templers battery will have the most storage capacity of the batteries in South Australia, and it will quickly be followed by bigger batteries supported by Zen and others.

“At the rate we’re going, South Australia will be 100% well before 2030, enabling the revitalisation of core industries and for Australia to evolve into a renewable energy Superpower.”

Zen started its journey to supply cheap “basload renewables” to Australian businesses back in late 2017, when it obtained a licence to retail electricity, with a focus on users with demand of more than 160MWh per annum.

Last year, in releasing its first ESG report, Zen revealed plans to increase the amount of electricity sold each year from 1 terawatt-hour to 10TWh by 2025, which would give it a 5 per cent share of the National Electricity Market, versus just over 0.5 per cent now.

“How do we get from 1TWh of load contracted today to 10TWh by 2025? We start by writing a lot of PPAs (power purchase agreements), with the priority on solar and battery storage,”Anthony Garnaut said at the time.

The previous September, Zen signed a 10-year deal with renewables giant Acciona Energía’s Waubra wind farm northwest of Ballarat in Victoria for roughly 200,000MWh a year.

The Waubra offtake deal followed an earlier deal with the 87MW Tailem Bend 2 solar farm, in partnership with the SA Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME).

Zen split from entrepreneur Sanjeev Gupta’s SIMEC group of companies in 2020, allowing it to focus on building its retail business. It has contracted to supply a range of customers including the South Australian government, CSIRO, and the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils.

In a statement this week, Anthony Garnuat praised the team at RES for its “fantastic job” in guiding the Templers project through its last round of approvals.

“We are proud that the Templers project will be able to play a critical role in providing a secure and stable energy supply for the Australian electricity market into the future,” responded Res Australia CEO Matt Rebbeck.

“RES is excited to have provided development services to ZEN on the final development items and continuing discussions to provide support with construction and asset management arrangements.”

https://reneweconomy.com.au/zen-energy- ... qus_thread

[rev]

SA hits new record running on 100 per cent renewables

SA hit a world-leading stretch of operating on 100 per cent renewable energy over summer, with Trade Minister Nick Champion heading to Singapore and Japan to lure more investment for the sector.

Latest data shows solar and wind energy accounted for 80 per cent of the state’s electricity from December 1 to February 28, including the 10-day stint where the state used 100 per cent green energy.

Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis said on most days in SA there were now periods when renewables generated more than enough electricity to meet 100 per cent of the state’s consumption, with the excess exported to Victoria.

“These periods often stretch to 24 hours or more, and we have seen world-leading results, such as from December 9 to 19 last year, when renewables averaged above 100 per cent over the entire ten days,” he said.

South Australia’s record-breaking run on its renewables saw wind and solar contributing just over 85 per cent of the state’s electricity demand over December, surpassing the state’s previous record of 76 per cent set in December 2021.

Trade and Investment Minister Nick Champion intends spruiking the state’s renewable energy credentials to potential hydrogen investors who can boost the level even higher, when he leaves for a trade mission to Japan and Singapore on the weekend.

He will lead a contingent of SA companies to attend one of the world’s largest renewable energy events, Tokyo’s Fuel Cell Expo next week, and host a hydrogen and renewable energy round table.

The global hydrogen event attracts 50,000 visitors and Champion is keen to meet with potential investors like Japanese company Marubeni, saying it’s important to back up last years’ trade mission to Japan and South Korea to “put yourself on the map”.

In February, work started on a joint $12.5 million hydrogen project based at Bolivar in northern Adelaide that is funded by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment and Marubeni.

The hydrogen plant is expected to be operational by August this year, with the first hydrogen exported in a metal hydride container from SA to Indonesia. Its battery energy storage system is also expected to contribute energy to the local grid.

A government spokesperson said a “request for proposal” for the state’s $593 million green hydrogen power station, electrolyser, and storage facility, earmarked for a spot near Whyalla, also went to market in December.

The contract is expected to be signed by the end of this year and the plant and storage facility built by the end of 2025.

“Our state’s world-leading wind and solar resources position us at the centre of the global hydrogen opportunity and provide a competitive edge in the race to supply clean, green, renewable energy to the world,” the spokesperson said.

SA has managed to shift from below one per cent renewables in its energy production 15 years ago to last year’s almost 70 per cent yearly average using wind, solar, battery storage and gas.

Among the mix are three solar farms operating across the state, Bungala Solar Farms one and two near Port Augusta, Tailem Bend solar stage one and the Adelaide Desal Plant.

Others under construction are the Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park and Goyder South Hybrid Renewable Power Station, while more projects are in the pipelines.

Extensive roof top solar panels are also now producing more than 1,300 megawatts of green electricity, according to the government spokesperson, more than the capacity of the Torrens Island Power Station at 1,280 MW.

Champion said the state needs to “bolster and build” on its leading renewable energy status, and is travelling with the new head of Invest SA Chris Wood who had worked with Austrade and previously ran his own business in Japan.

“Singapore and Japan are two of the biggest players in a global market – and we need to ensure our state is capitalising on the significant growth and investment opportunities they present,” Champion said, who last year joined Malinauskas and Koutsantonis on a five-day trade mission.

They met more than 150 different officials from some of the biggest companies in Japan and Korea along with key investors involved in hydrogen, renewable energy, resources, wine and tourism.

This trip, Champion will also be spruiking the state’s wine and food.

Japan is the state’s seventh largest export market and worth $647 million in the 12 months to January with growth sectors including canola, seafood, meat and wine.

Singapore is the state’s 20th largest export market worth $253 million to January with growth sectors including wheat, barley, dairy and copper.

https://indaily.com.au/news/2023/03/10/ ... enewables/

Cool story. So when do our power prices come down like promised countless times by industry and politicians alike?

[rubberman]

SA hits new record running on 100 per cent renewables

SA hit a world-leading stretch of operating on 100 per cent renewable energy over summer, with Trade Minister Nick Champion heading to Singapore and Japan to lure more investment for the sector.

Latest data shows solar and wind energy accounted for 80 per cent of the state’s electricity from December 1 to February 28, including the 10-day stint where the state used 100 per cent green energy.

Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis said on most days in SA there were now periods when renewables generated more than enough electricity to meet 100 per cent of the state’s consumption, with the excess exported to Victoria.

“These periods often stretch to 24 hours or more, and we have seen world-leading results, such as from December 9 to 19 last year, when renewables averaged above 100 per cent over the entire ten days,” he said.

South Australia’s record-breaking run on its renewables saw wind and solar contributing just over 85 per cent of the state’s electricity demand over December, surpassing the state’s previous record of 76 per cent set in December 2021.

Trade and Investment Minister Nick Champion intends spruiking the state’s renewable energy credentials to potential hydrogen investors who can boost the level even higher, when he leaves for a trade mission to Japan and Singapore on the weekend.

He will lead a contingent of SA companies to attend one of the world’s largest renewable energy events, Tokyo’s Fuel Cell Expo next week, and host a hydrogen and renewable energy round table.

The global hydrogen event attracts 50,000 visitors and Champion is keen to meet with potential investors like Japanese company Marubeni, saying it’s important to back up last years’ trade mission to Japan and South Korea to “put yourself on the map”.

In February, work started on a joint $12.5 million hydrogen project based at Bolivar in northern Adelaide that is funded by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment and Marubeni.

The hydrogen plant is expected to be operational by August this year, with the first hydrogen exported in a metal hydride container from SA to Indonesia. Its battery energy storage system is also expected to contribute energy to the local grid.

A government spokesperson said a “request for proposal” for the state’s $593 million green hydrogen power station, electrolyser, and storage facility, earmarked for a spot near Whyalla, also went to market in December.

The contract is expected to be signed by the end of this year and the plant and storage facility built by the end of 2025.

“Our state’s world-leading wind and solar resources position us at the centre of the global hydrogen opportunity and provide a competitive edge in the race to supply clean, green, renewable energy to the world,” the spokesperson said.

SA has managed to shift from below one per cent renewables in its energy production 15 years ago to last year’s almost 70 per cent yearly average using wind, solar, battery storage and gas.

Among the mix are three solar farms operating across the state, Bungala Solar Farms one and two near Port Augusta, Tailem Bend solar stage one and the Adelaide Desal Plant.

Others under construction are the Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park and Goyder South Hybrid Renewable Power Station, while more projects are in the pipelines.

Extensive roof top solar panels are also now producing more than 1,300 megawatts of green electricity, according to the government spokesperson, more than the capacity of the Torrens Island Power Station at 1,280 MW.

Champion said the state needs to “bolster and build” on its leading renewable energy status, and is travelling with the new head of Invest SA Chris Wood who had worked with Austrade and previously ran his own business in Japan.

“Singapore and Japan are two of the biggest players in a global market – and we need to ensure our state is capitalising on the significant growth and investment opportunities they present,” Champion said, who last year joined Malinauskas and Koutsantonis on a five-day trade mission.

They met more than 150 different officials from some of the biggest companies in Japan and Korea along with key investors involved in hydrogen, renewable energy, resources, wine and tourism.

This trip, Champion will also be spruiking the state’s wine and food.

Japan is the state’s seventh largest export market and worth $647 million in the 12 months to January with growth sectors including canola, seafood, meat and wine.

Singapore is the state’s 20th largest export market worth $253 million to January with growth sectors including wheat, barley, dairy and copper.

https://indaily.com.au/news/2023/03/10/ ... enewables/

Cool story. So when do our power prices come down like promised countless times by industry and politicians alike?

With generation and retail in private hands (Thank you John Olsen and Steve Marshall), surely the private sector will deliver the outcomes you desire?

[rev]

The base supply cost for households is going up like 22%, to $2200~ a year for SA in NSW its going up to$1800~ a year.
We're the poorer state but are paying more.

Government ministers saying they'll bring it down by $275~ or whatever by the year 2025.
How much higher will it go before then?

Interesting we are the nations leaders in renewables, but we're paying the most. Im sure there's definitely no connection there.

And some idiot from the regulator was on the news saying the poor energy retailers are operating on razor thin profit margins.
My heart bleeds for them.

Fucking clowns.

[[Shuz]]

The 22% increase is going to be an absolutely massive hit to already struggling households. And the recession hasn't even technically hit yet. We're in for a dire couple of years.

[PeFe]

I just had a look at the wholesale price of electricity in SA for the last month and if you want to know what drives higher prices then there is an easy answer.....gas.

The price of wholesale electricity in SA over the last 30 days (measured in 30 minute intervals) is $125 per hour....this is the highest in the NEM for that period.
Very disappointing because the wholesale average in SA is normally one of the cheaper ones in the NEM.

All these prices are averages over 30 days....

Solar (Rooftop).....$17 per mwh

Solar (Large)......$37

Wind...........$56

Battery.........$209

Gas (Reciprocating)..........$341

Gas (OCGT)........$428

Gas (CCGT)........$168

Gas (Steam)........$149

These figures have been sourced from Opennem.org.au

https://opennem.org.au/energy/sa1/?rang ... nterval=1d

There is also another factor in play that pushes prices up.....the actual bidding system that AEMO use when sourcing electricity on the spot market.

When AEMO calls for bids, for example, 200 mw of power, if any power is used from the HIGHEST bid is used then all bidders receive that price if their power is used.

So AMEO wants 200 mw of power between 4pm-6pm and all players bid....
Gas bids $180 per mwh
Wind bids $100
Solar bids $80
If any gas is used between 4-6pm then all other bidders receive $180 per mwh
If no gas is used but wind is used then all other bidders (solar) receives $100 per mwh.
Lower bids are not necessarily guaranteed to achieve lower prices.

Surely there is a better way for the electricity market to guarantee supply and at the same time keep prices down.

[1NEEDS2POST]

The 22% increase is going to be an absolutely massive hit to already struggling households. And the recession hasn't even technically hit yet. We're in for a dire couple of years.

Is the increase in consumption tariffs or the daily tariff? If it's consumption tariffs, then we're going to see more households install batteries and solar.

[rev]

The 22% increase is going to be an absolutely massive hit to already struggling households. And the recession hasn't even technically hit yet. We're in for a dire couple of years.

Is the increase in consumption tariffs or the daily tariff? If it's consumption tariffs, then we're going to see more households install batteries and solar.

With what money are they going to do that?
Are they going to sacrifice their mortgage repayments, food on the table, or their bill payments?

[rubberman]

The 22% increase is going to be an absolutely massive hit to already struggling households. And the recession hasn't even technically hit yet. We're in for a dire couple of years.

Is the increase in consumption tariffs or the daily tariff? If it's consumption tariffs, then we're going to see more households install batteries and solar.

With what money are they going to do that?
Are they going to sacrifice their mortgage repayments, food on the table, or their bill payments?

One of (many) problems for the Australian energy market is that much of the coal plants are at the end of their life. This means the power coming from them is cheap, as their depreciation and interest costs are extremely low - they are paid off. So, we actually have been getting electricity cheaper than it otherwise would have been.

So, just replacing those plants in the next ten years is going to increase prices. It doesn't matter whether it's renewables, nuclear or coal or gas - new generation capacity will add costs we have avoided so far.

That's without network changes.

This happened previously when the networks and generation capacity was increased. The postwar expansion by Tom Playford was so costly that there was very little money for a lot of other areas.

It's expensive, and we pay for it, or go without.

But, it's a great question, rev. Where are people going to get the money? Higher taxes, or higher prices, or use less. Those are the choices.

[claybro]

So, just replacing those plants in the next ten years is going to increase prices. It doesn't matter whether it's renewables, nuclear or coal or gas - new generation capacity will add costs we have avoided so far.

With one important difference. The existing coal plants now at the end of useful life are 50-70 years old. So replacing them although costly, would be at minimum 50 year investment and much more with proper maintenance. Solar and wind plants have a lifespan of about 20 years. So even if we manage to replace all of the coal and gas capacity with renewables in the next 20 years...we will have to start all over again-and thats not taking into consideration all of the additional wiring required to interconnect vastly scattered generation points -wires which will also require regular maintenance and upgrading as well.

[PeFe]

So, just replacing those plants in the next ten years is going to increase prices. It doesn't matter whether it's renewables, nuclear or coal or gas - new generation capacity will add costs we have avoided so far.

With one important difference. The existing coal plants now at the end of useful life are 50-70 years old. So replacing them although costly, would be at minimum 50 year investment and much more with proper maintenance. Solar and wind plants have a lifespan of about 20 years. So even if we manage to replace all of the coal and gas capacity with renewables in the next 20 years...we will have to start all over again-and thats not taking into consideration all of the additional wiring required to interconnect vastly scattered generation points -wires which will also require regular maintenance and upgrading as well.

The first commercial wind farm in this country, in Esparance in WA, started production in 1986 and discontinued production in 2016. So that's 30 years of continuous electricity production using 1980's technology.

The Crookwell wind farm in NSW opened in 1998 and is still going strong, no plans to close, no plans to replace the turbines.

Starfish Hill in South Australia opened in 2003....no plans to close, no plans to replace the wind turbines.

Solar and wind farms are built to a higher quality than your average rooftop panels (which usually come with a 25 year guarantee)

There is strong belief in this country amongst people who oppose renewables that wind and solar farms "only last 20 years" but there is never any supporting evidence.