AEMO Plans for Coal-Free Australia by 2035, Ensuring Grid Stability
Australia's energy landscape is shifting rapidly. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), responsible for the country's electricity infrastructure, is preparing for a future dominated by renewables. With coal's share in power generation set to plummet, AEMO has a clear plan to maintain grid stability.
Currently, coal leads Australia's power generation with 46%, while renewables have surged to 35%. However, the country aims to run its grid entirely on renewable energy. AEMO has studied how to manage the national grid with no coal-fired power stations, ensuring a smooth transition.
The operator expects 90% of coal generation to be gone by 2035, with the rest potentially closing later that decade. Market forces and mechanical trouble at aging plants could even accelerate this timeline, potentially leading to the first coal-free day sooner than anticipated. Despite this, AEMO is confident in its ability to maintain grid stability, thanks to Australia's geographical and policy advantages that strengthen its renewables outlook.
On a typical day, the National Electricity Market uses 38 gigawatts of power. Remarkably, four million homes producing rooftop solar can temporarily supply up to 55% of this demand, demonstrating the potential of decentralised renewable energy.
As Australia moves towards a coal-free future, the AEMO's proactive planning ensures a stable transition. With renewables already making up a significant portion of the country's power generation and a strong outlook for the future, Australia is well-positioned to embrace a sustainable energy future.
