Following in South Australian footsteps: Victorian renewable energy use on the up
South Australia might be the renewable energy hub of Australia, but according to recent data from the Australian Energy Market Operator, Victoria are bridging the gap on their neighbours to the west.
Setting a renewable energy target of 50% by 2025 back in 2009, South Australia managed to achieve that goal eight years ahead of schedule when the State Government last year announced it was using solar and wind-based sources for 53% of overall energy use.
But recent data from the Australian Energy Market Operator has revealed that, during last weekend’s heatwave, renewable energy sources accounted for just over 40% of total Victorian energy supply.
The data, analysed by Dylan McConnell from the Climate and Energy College at the University of Melbourne, revealed that at one point on Saturday, renewable energy consumption was at an all-time statewide high.
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“Saturday set a new record for the amount of renewable generation supply in the state of Victoria when at approximately 4pm wind, solar and hydro were contributing 41 per cent to the state’s generation mix,” McConnell told NewsCorp.
“There is now approximately 1000mW of rooftop solar installed in Victoria …(and) the construction of new wind farms, in particular the Ararat wind farm, have also pushed the installed capacity of wind to 1500mW in Victoria.”
And the increase in renewable energy use across the state is only set to continue.
Last week it was announced that owner of the 100mW Tesla battery providing support to the South Australian grid Francis Neoen, had reached an agreement with the Victorian Government for a similar 20mW battery to be built in the state’s Bulgana Green Power Hub.
Initially planned as support for the 40-hectare Nectar Farms glasshouse nearby, the battery also paves the way for the construction of a 204mW wind farm.
“[It is] a major step forward for communities, businesses and the renewable energy industry,” said Energy Minister, Lily D’Ambrosio.
If you’re one of the many Aussies who have recently invested in renewables, you can get a customised quote, based on the state you live in and taking into account your solar energy generation, using Mozo’s Energy Cost Cruncher calculator or if you have any questions about renewable energy in Australia, check out our Renewable Energy FAQs.
