Official estimates of the risk of an electricity shortfall this summer are exaggerated because much more solar energy – as much as six times current large-scale capacity – is ready to be built, the Australian Solar Council says.
Completed large-scale plants total 310.8 megawatts,which will be dwarfed by the 2054 MW of large-scale solar photovoltaics (PV) plants that have secured finance and/or a power purchase agreement, the council says.
The Nyngan solar plant near Dubbo, NSW, built by AGL with government help, got the ball rolling on large-scale solar plants. Photo: Supplied
The Nyngan solar plant near Dubbo, NSW, built by AGL with government help, got the ball rolling on large-scale solar plants. Photo: Supplied
However, the project pipeline would put even that increase in the shade, with 10,266 MW in some part of the approval process.
“You have a massive build and development under way,” John Grimes, the council’s chief executive, said.
Solar PV plants are rolling out faster than regulators have forecast. Photo: Supplied
The short construction time for solar PV plants compared with other generation capacity – particularly coal – means the electricity market is unlikely to have the supply squeeze that the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) identified in a report this month.
“You don’t have an energy scarcity problem,”
Mr Grimes said. “What discussions you should be having is how you can have the infrastructure needed to bring the additional supply from areas such as north Queensland to major markets.”
Mr Grimes said. “What discussions you should be having is how you can have the infrastructure needed to bring the additional supply from areas such as north Queensland to major markets.”
The Turnbull government this month seized on the AEMO report that indicated there was a risk Victoria and South Australia could face electricity shortages this summer.
