Sometimes wind and solar power produce more electricity than the local grid can handle. Better energy storage and transmission could move extra energy to where it’s needed instead of shutting it off.
It’s time for a national grid that serves the public and meets the challenges of a warming world. A new government-owned and operated body should take control of Australia’s electricity system.
Active government involvement in the electricity sector is necessary for Australia to meet its ambitious climate targets. But we shouldn’t totally abandon the power of market forces.
Australia’s energy market operator has suspended the National Electricity Market, due to a perfect storm of coal plants going offline and a spike in fossil fuel prices.
If South Africa fails to implement the 2019 Integrated Resource Plan, it will lead to the demise of Eskom as an energy producer as users turn to alternative electricity sources.
Economic and energy policymakers are responsible for increasing both demand for and supply of electricity. There must be a surplus of energy which will encourage economic growth.