South Australia is set to get a power boost with new gas generation that will deliver a reliable, secure and efficient supply of energy for homes and businesses.
EnergyAustralia has announced its new fast-start gas generator at its Hallett power station is on track to provide another 30-megwatts (MW) of generation to the South Australian energy grid as early as this summer.
Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor said generators like this will help ensure that we’ve got affordable, reliable power on the worst days, and that there’s downward pressure on prices when there are shortages of supply.
“The beauty of gas is it is flexible and can deliver on demand energy that ensures when Australians flick the switch, the lights come on and stay on”, said Minister Taylor.
“This fast-start gas generator will be able to operate at full capacity within five minutes, providing a rapid response to changes in renewable generation supply.
“The Commonwealth has been advocating for a greater focus on investment in reliability for some time and it is satisfying to see this coming to fruition.”
This builds on investments in disptachable power in South Australia with AGL opening the new Barker Inlet Power Station earlier this month.
Importantly, more gas in the system means lower prices.
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) Quarterly Energy Dynamics Q3 2019 report released in November found gas prices were at their lowest levels since 2017.
The Government is leading a reform program of practical initiatives to lower prices while keeping the lights on including the $1 billion Grid Reliability Fund, and the Retailer Reliability Obligation which requires energy retailers to have enough dispatchable generation in the market to keep the lights on.
For more information on the Government’s framework on energy and emissions reduction visit energy.gov.au/energy-policy-blueprint-fair-deal-energy.
