Prof plugging benefits of renewables grid
A LEADING Australian researcher claims the country could build a cheap and secure electricity grid with 100 per cent renewable energy using readily available technology.
Australian National University Professor Andrew Blakers said the system relied on wind and solar power, with support from pumped hydro energy storage, eliminating the need for coal and gas-fired generation.
He said hydro storage did not require a river, with water pumped uphill and stored to generate energy on demand.
“Pumped hydro energy storage is 97 per cent of all storage worldwide, and can be used to support high levels of solar photovoltaic and wind,” he said.
Prof Blakers’ new study found the cost of power would be around $75 per megawatt hour – cheaper, he said, than coal or gas-fired power.
Plenty of private households are making their own switch to renewables in the meantime, with at least 16 per cent of Australians on solar.
Manunda resident David Roberts rushed out to install solar panels three years ago under the 44¢ tariff – which expires in July 2028 – from a “snake oil salesman” who overstated its capabilities.
He has since spent more money upgrading his system, and is saving because of it.
“If I was putting it on today, I would do my research and get the right stuff,” he said.
“I would make sure it creates enough electricity, and would use appliances during the day. It just takes a slight change of lifestyle.”