More than half of Western Australia's remaining coal-fired electricity capacity could be phased out within five years, according to a landmark report which charts the extraordinary rise of renewable energy.Renewable energy is tipped to make up almost 80 per cent of the main gridEnergy Minister Bill Johnston will today release a 20-year blueprint for WA's biggest electricity system, which has been grappling with one of the highest rates of solar uptake in the world.
Despite the findings, the report suggests there could be a case for a new gas-fired power station if demand for electricity rose significantly. Gas and coal-fired power plants help to keep the grid stable during supply surges from rooftop solar. Furthermore, he said the gap between the two would only grow wider in time, especially if a price on carbon was introduced.However, Mr Bowen said coal still played a crucial role in keeping the electricity system stable and the plan was badly needed to help with the transition to when batteries and other technologies could do the job.
Shut them all down!!! ..and stop cutting down what’s left of our forests. The more trees we chop down the drier our south west is becoming!
And while this goes on,we in Queensland, have given the go ahead for two more coal mines. And it is not just WA that is finding could fired power plants obsolete!! What is crazy, is that these new mine will lead to 165 million tons pa of CO2 &10% destruction of the Barrier Reef!!
No brainer really. WA has excellent wind and solar resources and still owns its electricity assets They also have lots of cheap gas that can be used for peaking and firming
Has anyone told mattjcan and ScottyFromMarketing ?
Vale WA.
what not all of them
May? lol. Coal will be burning for a lot of years to come I reckon. Solar and twirly whirlys only run on Billion$ and Billion$ in government subsidies from taxpayers........Gay BC are at it again with their green rainbow warriors.