To mark World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development (4 March), we asked change-makers how engineering is shaping our lives.
While renewable energy sources make up a relatively small percentage of Australia’s overall energy mix, innovative projects are happening across the country.
Here are two examples of renewable energy projects happening now.
Hyrdo power? Oops.
Hi John,
Thanks for pointing out that typo. We’ve fixed the error.
Thanks,
Ruth
There are investigations with reports from universities in the USA showing that “network instability starts to occur when over 20% of total energy generated is from Wind and Solar (Renewables)” thus causing blackouts”. As usual there are always pluses and minuses. This is why engineers are required to carefully investigate issues based on “proven science”. Such investigations allow final advice to network operators which enable a properly balanced network.
‘There are investigations with reports from universities in the USA showing that “network instability starts to occur when over 20% of total energy generated is from Wind and Solar (Renewables)” thus causing blackouts.’ Please provide reference to investigations and reports. Would be interesting to read.
South Australia had an averrage of >53% renewables in 2020 and often hits 100% renewables. SA aims for >100% renewables by 20030 and is well on track for that. SA has been running many times as an isolaged grid with these levels of renewables. Batteries keep the network very stable, See https://reneweconomy.com.au/south-australia-separates-from-nem-again-as-interconnector-troubles-return-14964/ for more information.
The future is Solar, Wind and Storage, as can be seen from AEMO’s integrated system plans CSIRO Electricity Network Transformation Roadmap etc.