Energy in South Australia
Encyclopedia
It is estimated that Eastern Australia will require 5000 MW of electricity generation capacity over the next decade. This is approximately one and a half times the current capacity of South Australia.
The coastal region of South Australia
is favourable for the development of resources to meet this need, including geothermal, wind energy, and solar thermal plants. South Australia is considered to be the largest producer of wind energy
in Australia, as of April 2011 hosting 51% of the nation’s installed capacity. There are currently 13 wind farms operating across the state with an installed capacity of 1018 megawatts (MW) of power. Adelaide
receives the highest sunlight in the whole region. The availability of hot rocks for geothermal generation suggests the possibility for local production production of electricity.
Many state-sponsored initiatives have been proposed to make South Australia the supplier hub of all sorts of energy requirements. Many multinational corporations, in collaboration with local and state entities, are strategising the current initiatives for reaping better result in terms of sustainable and affordable green energy solution.
South Australia institutions like University of Adelaide
are developing curricula in order to supply human capital capable of understanding and responding to the current industry challenge of energy planning. The Institute for Mineral and Energy Resources at the University is one of such initiative.
Already the federal government has spent AUD 1 million dollars to hire Macquarie Capital, WorleyParsons
and Baker & McKenzie
to investigate the state’s electricity transmission capacity and project plans for the expansion of renewable energy in South Australia.
The study argues that increasing the transmission capacity will unlock an estimated AUD 6 billion in renewable energy investment that will generate up to 5000 MW of clean and green energy The Economic Development Board
has recommended that the State make use of its unique natural advantages in generating wind, solar, geothermal and wave energy enabling the region to maintain its leading position in the development and use of “green” energy and establishing a significant renewable energy industry. Further An AUD 20 million renewable energy fund under the supervision of newly formed Renewable SA Board has been established. The first investment of AUD1.6 million will be spent over two years to create a South Australian Centre for Geothermal Research, in conjunction with the University of Adelaide. The Fund will boost up investment in research and development, examine opportunities for manufacturing, and help assess how to develop a “green grid” based in South Australia but linked directly into the national power grid.
The Greens
South Australian renewable energy plan proposes connecting the state directly to Queensland's electricity grid in order to export renewable energy to Queensland
and the upgrading of power transmission lines from Port Augusta to South Australia's North East to service solar energy and geothermal projects. This plan will eradicate the coal-fired Northern and Playford B Power Station. According to Penny Wright—Senate candidate Greens South Australia, four potential wind energy projects on the Eyre Peninsula
could generate more than double South Australia's wind-sourced electricity capacity to 7500 megawatts provided better transmission infrastructure are available. This enhanced grid infrastructure could generate 3000 jobs during construction phase and 250 on going. This will further augment the revenue generation from electricity sales that will pump AUD 158 million to South Australia’s economy and can save 2.75 million tonnes of CO2 across the national grid each year.
Senator Brown also emphasized on an inventory of South Australia's renewable energy potential to ensure investment in the grid is geared to meet future renewable energy production. South Australia's 1000th megawatt of wind power capacity was already brought online. South Australia's Premier, Mike Rann said that the state would meet its first renewable energy target of 20 per cent of electricity generated from renewable energy ahead of the 2014 schedule.
Adelaide University's Institute for Mineral and Energy resources has invested AUD 50 million in 5 years to help energy alternatives for the region.[34][35]
. One of the greatest advantages of geothermal energy is said to be the reduction in CO2 emission. A 1000 MW geothermal power plant can save up to 20 million tonnes of CO2 emission every year. Unlike some other energy alternatives, which rely on intermittent supply of sunlight or wind, geothermal power generation can be used, like more traditional sources, for long term base-load power 24/7. Geothermal energy is thought to be produced due to the gradual decay of radio active elements deep with in the earth’s core. This heat is slowly conducted to shallower rocks near the surface.
]
It is estimated that one percent of geothermal energy shallower than five kilometres below the earth's surface and hotter than 150°C can supply Australia’s total energy requirement for 26000 years. South Australia and Tasmania where the granite basement rocks are suitable, are the main locations where geothermal energy is being developed in Australia. Sedimentary style geothermal resources have also been located near the south Victorian coastline stretching across South Australia.
Geothermal energy has already been utilized commercially at two South Australian locations, Birdsville geothermal electricity
generated from the hot water from the great Artesian basin, and a geothermal district heating scheme at Portland has been using for the last twenty years, supplied by the hot water of the Otway Basin. Many companies in Australia have engaged in developing geothermal energy for full scale commercial deployment.
Both state and federal government
are making conscious effort to support and sponsor research for realizing Geothermal energy commercially. The South Australian Centre for Geothermal Energy Research (SACGER) was established in 2010 as a part of state government’s Renewable Energy Fund in order to promote a world class hub for practical, high priority geothermal energy research. This 3.6 million dollar funding will help South Australia to reach its target of producing 33% of renewable energy by 2020. Apart from designing geophysical tools, imaging the possible geothermal reservoirs, improving simulation of fracture and fluid networks in geothermal reservoirs SACGER is also involved in developing trace elements micro-analytical imaging facilities for South Australia through key analytical infrastructure advances and mapping fracture systems in South Australian geothermal reservoir analogues.
In order to promote and encourage exploration in Australia, Geo-science Australia has taken initiatives to identify the hot spots of active geothermal regions for supporting geothermal industry. Onshore Energy Security Program—an initiative by the federal government has been set up a field logging program to improve the heat flow coverage of Australia. OzTemp database—another product by Somerville et al. (1994 - Geotherm94 database) at the Bureau of Minerals Resources (now Geo-science Australia) and the Energy Research and Development Corporation is designed to measure temperature from different sources and extrapolate these to five kilometers depth.
is a popular alternative to the fossil fuels like coal, gas and oil in terms of better sustainability, economically feasible and environmental friendly. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) 2010 SA Supply Demand Outlook estimates that in 2009-10, 18% of the state’s energy production came from wind power.
South Australia is considered to be the largest producer of wind energy
in Australia, as of April 2011 hosting 51% of the nation’s installed capacity. There are currently 13 wind farms operating across the state with an installed capacity of 1018 megawatts (MW) of power. A further 184 MW of wind farm projects are under construction. South Australia has been highly successful in attracting a significant portion of the investment in wind energy in the country. In mid-2009, RenewablesSA was established to encourage further investment in renewable energy
to the state.
AGL Energy
is a major developer of wind farms in Australia with many new projects in production or planned. By 2011 the company expects to produce 460 MW using 232 wind turbines in South Australia, supplying an estimated 250,000 households with electricity.
A 180-turbines wind farm is also under construction in the region by Suzlon Energy Australia, which is expected to generate 600 MW of energy that will supply electricity to 225,000 homes. This AUD 1.3 billion project will be built about 20 kilometres southwest Ardrossan
on the Yorke Peninsula
. Through this project, known as the Ceres wind farm, a high-voltage direct-current submarine connection across Gulf St Vincent to feed power to Adelaide will be developed. Data supplied by the local developers revels that the average wind speed in the region is 8m/sec making it a favourable destination for this project. An integrated bio mass plant will also be a part of this project which can feed into state’s power supply.
If approvals are obtained, the Suzlon project is projected for completion by 2015. According to the latest report released by the Clean Energy Council. Suzlon is Australia’s second biggest turbine supplier after Vestas with a 29% share of installed wind capacity. It already operates six wind farms in South Australia with a capacity of 507 MW. It conducts its central warehouse activities from Adelaide. This project will forecast South Australia as a leader in renewable energy. This region has already accommodated more than half of country’s wind power aiming to reach 33% renewable energy generation by 2020.
and reduction in carbon emission, the Australian Government is promoting the usage and installation of solar hot water. It is estimated that the federal government has allocated AUD 94 million to fund future solar projects.
One such initiative is the South Australian Government’s Solar Hot Water Rebate Scheme, which supplies rebates up to AUD 500 for the installation of a domestic hot water solar heater.
Additionally, the Australian Federal Government’s Solar Hot Water Rebate programme can earn a rebate up to AUD 1,500.
Another solar project in Adelaide is the Adelaide Solar City Programme, which plans a 50 KW rooftop solar photovoltaic system. The installation will comprise 288 solar panels. This system will be installed on the roof of historical market building which according to Dario De Bortoli, Adelaide Solar City Program Manager, is a proof of the fact that solar power systems can be installed even in historical buildings without much renovation.
Adelaide is also constructing the country’s first solar thermal power plant at Port Augustus, South Australia. The solar thermal power generation focuses sunlight onto an absorber and pipe containing special fluid. The heated fluid piped through a heat exchanger to create steam that will drive a steam turbine to generate enough power to supply up to 40% of state electricity demand.
Suppliers in Adelaide who can supply and fit solar hot water system include Hot Water Now, Apricus Australia, Adelaide Solar System, M & G Distributors, Solar Shop Australia, Solaris Technology, Solar SA. For Adelaide residents who would like to replace their existing gas or electric heater with the solar heater then they are eligible for several rebates that will eventually help overcoming your cost of installation.
The coastal region of South Australia
South Australia
South Australia is a state of Australia in the southern central part of the country. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent; with a total land area of , it is the fourth largest of Australia's six states and two territories.South Australia shares borders with all of the mainland...
is favourable for the development of resources to meet this need, including geothermal, wind energy, and solar thermal plants. South Australia is considered to be the largest producer of wind energy
Wind energy
Wind energy is the kinetic energy of air in motion; see also wind power.Total wind energy flowing through an imaginary area A during the time t is:E = ½ m v2 = ½ v 2...
in Australia, as of April 2011 hosting 51% of the nation’s installed capacity. There are currently 13 wind farms operating across the state with an installed capacity of 1018 megawatts (MW) of power. Adelaide
Adelaide
Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth-largest city in Australia. Adelaide has an estimated population of more than 1.2 million...
receives the highest sunlight in the whole region. The availability of hot rocks for geothermal generation suggests the possibility for local production production of electricity.
Many state-sponsored initiatives have been proposed to make South Australia the supplier hub of all sorts of energy requirements. Many multinational corporations, in collaboration with local and state entities, are strategising the current initiatives for reaping better result in terms of sustainable and affordable green energy solution.
South Australia institutions like University of Adelaide
University of Adelaide
The University of Adelaide is a public university located in Adelaide, South Australia. Established in 1874, it is the third oldest university in Australia...
are developing curricula in order to supply human capital capable of understanding and responding to the current industry challenge of energy planning. The Institute for Mineral and Energy Resources at the University is one of such initiative.
Renewable Energy: Some Initiatives and Future Potentials
South Australia leads the nation in terms of renewable energy investment. Being a leader in green energy South Australia with 8% of nation’s population captured 56% of nation’s grid connected wind power, 30% of solar power and 9% of its geothermal developments. With an advantage of knowing for its windiest and sunniest places in Australia, South Australia is considered to be the target for green energy investors.Already the federal government has spent AUD 1 million dollars to hire Macquarie Capital, WorleyParsons
WorleyParsons
WorleyParsons Limited is a large Australian provider of professional services to the energy, resource, and complex process industries.The company has a market capitalisation greater than A$6 billion, and makes up about 0.55% of the S&P/ASX 200 index....
and Baker & McKenzie
Baker & McKenzie
Baker & McKenzie is an international law firm, founded in Chicago in 1949 by Russell Baker and John McKenzie. It is home to more than 3,800 lawyers spread over 70 offices in 42 different countries....
to investigate the state’s electricity transmission capacity and project plans for the expansion of renewable energy in South Australia.
The study argues that increasing the transmission capacity will unlock an estimated AUD 6 billion in renewable energy investment that will generate up to 5000 MW of clean and green energy The Economic Development Board
Economic Development Board
-Overview:The Economic Development Board is a statutory board of the Government of Singapore that plans and executes strategies to sustain Singapore as a leading global hub for business and investment....
has recommended that the State make use of its unique natural advantages in generating wind, solar, geothermal and wave energy enabling the region to maintain its leading position in the development and use of “green” energy and establishing a significant renewable energy industry. Further An AUD 20 million renewable energy fund under the supervision of newly formed Renewable SA Board has been established. The first investment of AUD1.6 million will be spent over two years to create a South Australian Centre for Geothermal Research, in conjunction with the University of Adelaide. The Fund will boost up investment in research and development, examine opportunities for manufacturing, and help assess how to develop a “green grid” based in South Australia but linked directly into the national power grid.
The Greens
Australian Greens
The Australian Greens, commonly known as The Greens, is an Australian green political party.The party was formed in 1992; however, its origins can be traced to the early environmental movement in Australia and the formation of the United Tasmania Group , the first Green party in the world, which...
South Australian renewable energy plan proposes connecting the state directly to Queensland's electricity grid in order to export renewable energy to Queensland
Queensland
Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...
and the upgrading of power transmission lines from Port Augusta to South Australia's North East to service solar energy and geothermal projects. This plan will eradicate the coal-fired Northern and Playford B Power Station. According to Penny Wright—Senate candidate Greens South Australia, four potential wind energy projects on the Eyre Peninsula
Eyre Peninsula
Eyre Peninsula is a triangular peninsula in South Australia. It is bounded on the east by Spencer Gulf, the west by the Great Australian Bight, and the north by the Gawler Ranges. It is named after explorer Edward John Eyre who explored some of it in 1839-1841. The coastline was first explored by...
could generate more than double South Australia's wind-sourced electricity capacity to 7500 megawatts provided better transmission infrastructure are available. This enhanced grid infrastructure could generate 3000 jobs during construction phase and 250 on going. This will further augment the revenue generation from electricity sales that will pump AUD 158 million to South Australia’s economy and can save 2.75 million tonnes of CO2 across the national grid each year.
Senator Brown also emphasized on an inventory of South Australia's renewable energy potential to ensure investment in the grid is geared to meet future renewable energy production. South Australia's 1000th megawatt of wind power capacity was already brought online. South Australia's Premier, Mike Rann said that the state would meet its first renewable energy target of 20 per cent of electricity generated from renewable energy ahead of the 2014 schedule.
Adelaide University's Institute for Mineral and Energy resources has invested AUD 50 million in 5 years to help energy alternatives for the region.[34][35]
Geo Thermal Energy in South Australia
Geothermal Energy refers to the heat generated naturally by the earth, which can be used for the production of electricityElectricity
Electricity is a general term encompassing a variety of phenomena resulting from the presence and flow of electric charge. These include many easily recognizable phenomena, such as lightning, static electricity, and the flow of electrical current in an electrical wire...
. One of the greatest advantages of geothermal energy is said to be the reduction in CO2 emission. A 1000 MW geothermal power plant can save up to 20 million tonnes of CO2 emission every year. Unlike some other energy alternatives, which rely on intermittent supply of sunlight or wind, geothermal power generation can be used, like more traditional sources, for long term base-load power 24/7. Geothermal energy is thought to be produced due to the gradual decay of radio active elements deep with in the earth’s core. This heat is slowly conducted to shallower rocks near the surface.
]
It is estimated that one percent of geothermal energy shallower than five kilometres below the earth's surface and hotter than 150°C can supply Australia’s total energy requirement for 26000 years. South Australia and Tasmania where the granite basement rocks are suitable, are the main locations where geothermal energy is being developed in Australia. Sedimentary style geothermal resources have also been located near the south Victorian coastline stretching across South Australia.
Geothermal energy has already been utilized commercially at two South Australian locations, Birdsville geothermal electricity
Geothermal electricity
Geothermal electricity is electricity generated from geothermal energy.Technologies in use include dry steam power plants, flash steam power plants and binary cycle power plants...
generated from the hot water from the great Artesian basin, and a geothermal district heating scheme at Portland has been using for the last twenty years, supplied by the hot water of the Otway Basin. Many companies in Australia have engaged in developing geothermal energy for full scale commercial deployment.
Both state and federal government
Federal government
The federal government is the common government of a federation. The structure of federal governments varies from institution to institution. Based on a broad definition of a basic federal political system, there are two or more levels of government that exist within an established territory and...
are making conscious effort to support and sponsor research for realizing Geothermal energy commercially. The South Australian Centre for Geothermal Energy Research (SACGER) was established in 2010 as a part of state government’s Renewable Energy Fund in order to promote a world class hub for practical, high priority geothermal energy research. This 3.6 million dollar funding will help South Australia to reach its target of producing 33% of renewable energy by 2020. Apart from designing geophysical tools, imaging the possible geothermal reservoirs, improving simulation of fracture and fluid networks in geothermal reservoirs SACGER is also involved in developing trace elements micro-analytical imaging facilities for South Australia through key analytical infrastructure advances and mapping fracture systems in South Australian geothermal reservoir analogues.
In order to promote and encourage exploration in Australia, Geo-science Australia has taken initiatives to identify the hot spots of active geothermal regions for supporting geothermal industry. Onshore Energy Security Program—an initiative by the federal government has been set up a field logging program to improve the heat flow coverage of Australia. OzTemp database—another product by Somerville et al. (1994 - Geotherm94 database) at the Bureau of Minerals Resources (now Geo-science Australia) and the Energy Research and Development Corporation is designed to measure temperature from different sources and extrapolate these to five kilometers depth.
Wind Energy in South Australia
Wind energyWind energy
Wind energy is the kinetic energy of air in motion; see also wind power.Total wind energy flowing through an imaginary area A during the time t is:E = ½ m v2 = ½ v 2...
is a popular alternative to the fossil fuels like coal, gas and oil in terms of better sustainability, economically feasible and environmental friendly. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) 2010 SA Supply Demand Outlook estimates that in 2009-10, 18% of the state’s energy production came from wind power.
South Australia is considered to be the largest producer of wind energy
Wind energy
Wind energy is the kinetic energy of air in motion; see also wind power.Total wind energy flowing through an imaginary area A during the time t is:E = ½ m v2 = ½ v 2...
in Australia, as of April 2011 hosting 51% of the nation’s installed capacity. There are currently 13 wind farms operating across the state with an installed capacity of 1018 megawatts (MW) of power. A further 184 MW of wind farm projects are under construction. South Australia has been highly successful in attracting a significant portion of the investment in wind energy in the country. In mid-2009, RenewablesSA was established to encourage further investment in renewable energy
Renewable energy
Renewable energy is energy which comes from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat, which are renewable . About 16% of global final energy consumption comes from renewables, with 10% coming from traditional biomass, which is mainly used for heating, and 3.4% from...
to the state.
AGL Energy
AGL Energy
AGL Energy is the largest Australian gas and electricity retailer, with over six million customers. It has large investments in the supply of gas and electricity, and has recently invested in sustainable energy businesses such as wind farms and a hydroelectric power station in Victoria’s High...
is a major developer of wind farms in Australia with many new projects in production or planned. By 2011 the company expects to produce 460 MW using 232 wind turbines in South Australia, supplying an estimated 250,000 households with electricity.
A 180-turbines wind farm is also under construction in the region by Suzlon Energy Australia, which is expected to generate 600 MW of energy that will supply electricity to 225,000 homes. This AUD 1.3 billion project will be built about 20 kilometres southwest Ardrossan
Ardrossan
Ardrossan is a town on the North Ayrshire coast in south-western Scotland. The name "Ardrossan" describes its physical position — 'ard' from the Gaelic àird meaning headland, 'ros' a promontory and the diminutive suffix '-an' - headland of the little promontory...
on the Yorke Peninsula
Yorke Peninsula
The Yorke Peninsula is a peninsula located north-west and west of Adelaide in South Australia, Australia, between Spencer Gulf on the west and Gulf St Vincent on the east. It has geographic coordinates of...
. Through this project, known as the Ceres wind farm, a high-voltage direct-current submarine connection across Gulf St Vincent to feed power to Adelaide will be developed. Data supplied by the local developers revels that the average wind speed in the region is 8m/sec making it a favourable destination for this project. An integrated bio mass plant will also be a part of this project which can feed into state’s power supply.
If approvals are obtained, the Suzlon project is projected for completion by 2015. According to the latest report released by the Clean Energy Council. Suzlon is Australia’s second biggest turbine supplier after Vestas with a 29% share of installed wind capacity. It already operates six wind farms in South Australia with a capacity of 507 MW. It conducts its central warehouse activities from Adelaide. This project will forecast South Australia as a leader in renewable energy. This region has already accommodated more than half of country’s wind power aiming to reach 33% renewable energy generation by 2020.
Solar Energy in South Australia
As a part of the initiative to depend more on sustainable energySustainable energy
Sustainable energy is the provision of energy that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainable energy sources include all renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectricity, solar energy, wind energy, wave power, geothermal...
and reduction in carbon emission, the Australian Government is promoting the usage and installation of solar hot water. It is estimated that the federal government has allocated AUD 94 million to fund future solar projects.
One such initiative is the South Australian Government’s Solar Hot Water Rebate Scheme, which supplies rebates up to AUD 500 for the installation of a domestic hot water solar heater.
Additionally, the Australian Federal Government’s Solar Hot Water Rebate programme can earn a rebate up to AUD 1,500.
Another solar project in Adelaide is the Adelaide Solar City Programme, which plans a 50 KW rooftop solar photovoltaic system. The installation will comprise 288 solar panels. This system will be installed on the roof of historical market building which according to Dario De Bortoli, Adelaide Solar City Program Manager, is a proof of the fact that solar power systems can be installed even in historical buildings without much renovation.
Adelaide is also constructing the country’s first solar thermal power plant at Port Augustus, South Australia. The solar thermal power generation focuses sunlight onto an absorber and pipe containing special fluid. The heated fluid piped through a heat exchanger to create steam that will drive a steam turbine to generate enough power to supply up to 40% of state electricity demand.
Suppliers in Adelaide who can supply and fit solar hot water system include Hot Water Now, Apricus Australia, Adelaide Solar System, M & G Distributors, Solar Shop Australia, Solaris Technology, Solar SA. For Adelaide residents who would like to replace their existing gas or electric heater with the solar heater then they are eligible for several rebates that will eventually help overcoming your cost of installation.