As we speak, the Australian energy market strides towards the elimination of coal and gas-fired power stations and looks towards a bright future of renewable energy across the country.

In 2021, 29% of Australia’s total electricity generation was from a renewable energy source, including solar (12%), wind (10%) and hydro (6%). This was the highest on record, with an even further increase of 8% in 2022.

As we see ongoing private and government investments into renewables we are now seeing large battery banks coming. They will range from 200-300 megawatts each and have grid-forming inverter technology, which provides stability to the grid usually offered through coal and gas. There will be two of these built here in South Australia.

We have a lot to be proud of on a national scale, but here’s where it gets interesting... South Australia is a world leader in renewable energy!! Yes, you read that right! We are currently one of the world’s cleanest and greenest places on the planet. In the last 15 years, South Australia’s electricity mix has shifted from below 1% renewables to almost 70% of the energy generated by wind and solar, supported by innovative battery storage technologies.

This is just the start.

The goal is to be 100% renewable by 2030 and by 2050 we are predicted to be generating 500% of our total usage and selling/exporting our power to feed national demand!!

“I love my gas cooking and instant hot water” we hear you say…

So do we and we love plumbing in our gas pipeline installations too. Don’t worry! Green gas is coming. Although the mainstream media rarely promotes the re-emergence of Green gas and the general public’s train of thought is that they will eventually need to move to 100% electric within their industry, this is not the case.

Hydrogen and Biomethane is the answer. You will still be able to keep using your gas appliances. Although eventually, your appliances will need to be converted or changed to burn the hydrogen, this will be a transition process.

South Australia is currently leading the way with a pilot production of Hydrogen in Tonsley Park. This is delivering a 5% blend of hydrogen natural gas to 3700 homes in our southern suburbs. Renewable hydrogen can be used in the same way as natural gas - heating homes and businesses, generating electricity and as a transport fuel. Yet it doesn’t produce any carbon emissions – only water and energy.

TAP 09 special edition is available for download now

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