In the Australian NEM if we started building brand new HELE coal fired stations today we may have a chance to reduce emissions and support a transition to 50% renewables by 2030. These new stations would assist the retirement of some of the older stations and therefore guarantee emissions reduction and provide confidence for the next 30 years. The reason for coal is that it is the cheapest source of reliable and predictable electricity. Nuclear would ignored and our gas policy is non existent so this lack of thought gives no alternative.
If we don't start building soon we will run out of time and money and be forced to prolong the old stations for the next 30 years. How on earth does a country gets itself in this mess is beyond me and this nonsense about storage defies common sense. Can you imagine the pollution generated by manufacturing the renewable capacity and storage to meet 100% renewable. Add the recycling problem of batteries and then factor the fact that in May through to June we would have run out of electricity for about 200 GWh's each day for 3 months. How could we possible support the introduction of EV's if we can't generate enough electricity for average consumption? Who's electricity will be reduced to balance supply with demand? That conversation needs to be had, until it does we should stop, think and then carefully progress with a fully costed plan, our kids deserve better than this rubbish we are currently being fed.
This is not anti renewable, but the longer this debate goes on and the obvious problems are ignored I think the industry will have some serious questions to answer in the future.
