Electricity prices could double with new coal-fired stations

Credit: Twitter

Unsubsidised renewables have been cheaper than new coal in many parts of the world for some time.^1,2,3,4

Opponents of renewables frequently remind us that wind & solar are intermittent, but ignore the fact that a large grid allows electricity supply from those places where the sun is shining &/or the wind is blowing.⁵ Also, modern, accurate weather forecasting makes renewables predictable so that they can be scheduled properly.⁵

Coal consists substantially of carbon, so that its use for power generation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.⁶

In light of the above, it is surprising that the conservative Australian Federal Government recently suggested that new, coal-fired power generation plant, is feasible – & attempted to head off concerns about the resulting carbon emissions with suggestions of, “clean coal” technology.⁷

Australian Broadcasting Corporation – Electricity prices could double with new coal-fired stations, energy experts say
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-02/coal-power-stations-could-double-the-cost-of-electricity/8234240

Renew Economy – “Clean coal” most expensive new power supply, says BNEF (& not all that clean)
https://reneweconomy.com.au/clean-coal-most-expensive-new-power-supply-says-bnef-and-not-all-that-clean-74531/

Queensland Government – “Electricity prices to double under Turnbull’s new coal-fired power stations plan”
https://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2017/2/2/electricity-prices-to-double-under-turnbulls-new-coalfired-power-stations-plan
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¹ Giles Parkinson: “Renewables now cheaper than coal & gas in australia”, 7 February 2013, http://reneweconomy.com.au/2013/renewables-now-cheaper-than-coal-and-gas-in-australia-62268

² Beyond Zero Emmissions: “In Australia, Wind Power Is Already Cheaper Than Fossil Fuels, & Solar Is Right Behind”, http://bze.org.au/media/newswire/australia-wind-power-already-cheaper-fossil-fuels-and-solar-right-behind-130211

³ Solar Market: “Renewable Energy Now Cheaper than Coal”, https://www.solarmarket.com.au/renewable-energy-now-cheaper-than-coal/

⁴ Mike Calise, Head of Electric Vehicle Solutions for North America at Schneider Electric, interviewed by Michael Kent on Charged EVs: “Unsubsidized solar is already cheaper than retail electricity prices in many markets around the world: Australia, Chile, Germany, Italy, India (according to Seba’s book, Clean Disruption).” http://chargedevs.com/features/evs-renewables-energy-storage-the-unstoppable-trio-of-energys-future/

⁵ Hitchhiker’s Guide 2 Tech: “Renewable energy & the national grid”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/11/renewable-energy-national-grid.html

⁶ Hitchhiker’s Guide 2 Tech: “A 100% renewable electricity grid is not just possible, but essential”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/12/a-100-renewable-electricity-grid-is-not.html

⁷ Parliament of Australia: “Clean coal”, https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/Browse_by_Topic/ClimateChangeold/responses/mitigation/emissions/clean / renewable sustainable energy electricity power generation renewables solar wind turbine photovoltaic photo-voltaic PV solar hydro electricity hydro-electricity storage battery pumped hydro carbon dioxide CO2 methane Ch4 carbon carbon monoxide greenhouse gas greenhouse gases greenhouse gasses greenhouse effect global warming climate change fossil fuel radiation pollution acid rain Alternative Technology Association ATA coal fired power station fully renewable electricity grid provide long-term economic climate social benefits new discussion paper Alternative Technology Association ATA ATA’s 100% Renewable Energy Grid fully renewable energy grid Australia grid doable play an important part fight climate change paper COAG meets Finkel Review security stability national electricity market ATA not-for-profit sustainability organisation reviewed evidence recent developments previous studies Australian Energy Market Operator all experts agree 100% renewable grid will be reliable and stable appropriate mix renewable generation sources energy storage upgraded infrastructure Andrew Reddaway author ATA energy analyst periods of calm cloudy weather electricity sourced sunny windy parts of the country supplemented energy stores hydroelectric dams molten salt heat storage batteries renewable gas pelletised woody waste grid robust smarter renewable generators batteries automatically injecting extra electricity grid stability Mr Reddaway smart appliances detect disturbances grid independently adjust power level to compensate grid would be manageable transition energy costs slightly higher business as usual BAU in the longer term downward pressure on electricity bills renewable energy generation cheap to run building 100% renewable grid Snowy Mountains Scheme many jobs would be created capital costs spread over the project’s duration span at least a decade widespread energy efficiency measures further offset costs /