Energy Insiders - a RenewEconomy Podcast From zero to renewable hero in 20 years
Oct 25, 2024
Simon Emms, CEO of Electranet, discusses South Australia’s impressive leap to 100% renewable energy, citing key milestones and the integration of advanced transmission infrastructure. He highlights the allure of the region for industries eager to plug into this green energy boom. Emms also tackles the ongoing debates between nuclear and renewable energy proponents, emphasizing the need for diverse technologies and robust systems to ensure stability as the state moves away from gas. The conversation underscores consumer interest in household energy innovations and the significant role of events like the All Energy Conference.
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South Australia's Renewable Grid
- South Australia's grid has achieved a high level of renewable energy integration, reaching "phase five" as defined by the IEA.
- This means the grid can operate on 100% renewables at times but not yet consistently, unlike Denmark, which has far greater interconnection capacity.
Coal Lines to Renewables
- South Australia's rapid renewable transition (0-100% in 20 years) was facilitated by existing transmission lines built for coal plants.
- These lines, originally intended for coal transport, now carry renewable energy from resource-rich areas.
New Industrial Load
- South Australia is attracting significant industrial load, including green steel and copper projects, driven by its renewable resources.
- This new load will necessitate further grid expansion, creating a cycle of renewable energy growth.