Analysis

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Inflation, interest rates, commodity prices and electricity prices

There has been growing concern about inflationary pressures, the prospect of higher interest rates and higher fuel costs for the economy generally. But what do these factors mean for electricity prices? We have taken a detailed look at the factors at play and how they are likely to determine and influence our power prices.

BY Peter Brook May 19 2022

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Outlook highlights challenges and change

The latest US Energy Information Administration (EIA) annual energy outlook provides a useful insight into the shifts in both the drivers of electricity consumption and the anticipated transition in the generation sources. In particular it highlights the ongoing important role that gas generation will play in the energy mix as renewables continue to grow.

BY Australian Energy Council Apr 21 2022

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Closure notice rules not as simple as they sound

Last week, the Federal Energy Minister submitted a rule change to the AEMC to extend the notice of closure for generators to five years. Early market information is certainly beneficial, but attempting to mandate fixed dates does introduce complexities, is not readily enforceable and is potentially counter-productive. It also appears to confuse forecasts and commitments. We take a look at the history of such rules, along with the issues that can arise.

BY Ben Skinner Apr 14 2022

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Year in review: Some hits, some misses

It was another year of significant developments in the energy sector ranging from carbon emission commitments from both the Federal Government and Opposition, to the start of 5 minute settlements and Victoria's new tougher requirements for retailers.

BY Carl Kitchen Dec 09 2021

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Eurovision: Would Germany’s coal exit law be a hit in Australia?

As the world head towards Glasgow, countries are being asked to review their level of climate ambition and whether they’re on track to get there. Well known for its coal use, Germany has developed a formal mechanism that will see all coal-fired generation phased out by 2038. So what, if anything, can Australia learn?

BY Rhys Thomas Sep 23 2021

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Germany’s coal-exit laws part of “unique experiment”

While the debate on coal-fired power stations has recently re-entered the news cycle in Australia, in Germany the debate formally ended this month with the passing of laws that will see its 84 coal plants close by 2038.

BY Carl Kitchen Jul 30 2020

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Generation retrofits: New report considers the implications

Reviews of national ambient air quality measures, as well as licence reviews in New South Wales and Victoria, have helped bring a focus on the contribution of coal-fired power stations to the fore this year.

BY Rhys Thomas Dec 12 2019

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Power station particulate emissions: Flawed claims re-emerge

This year unsubstantiated claims about the health effects of coal-fired power stations in New South Wales have emerged despite a lack of supporting data and independent peer-reviewed assessment.

BY Rhys Thomas Oct 24 2019

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The emergence of a new energy market dynamic

Discussion about the emergence of a new energy market dynamic and whether there is a need to address it, has recently developed in the public arena.

BY Ben Skinner & Carol Tran Sep 12 2019

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Countdown: Coal racing the clock

Last week the UK reported that it had run its grid for 90 hours and 45 minutes (or more than three and a half days) without any electricity from coal-fired generation. It is the longest period that the UK grid has operated without coal in the generation mix - in 2012 coal had met more than 40 per cent of the UK’s electricity needs.

BY Carl Kitchen May 02 2019

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Marginal Loss Factors: Will someone please repeal the laws of physics?

Like waiting for exam results, generators await the Australian Energy Market Operator’s March release of draft Marginal Loss Factors with excitement and dread. This arcane document has big effects upon the profitability of power stations for the coming year.

BY Ben Skinner Mar 14 2019

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No solar eclipse: IEA’s World Energy Outlook

In the International Energy Agency’s most recent World Energy Outlook the electricity sector is experiencing the largest transformation since its creation. It predicts that solar PV’s installed capacity will surpass wind before 2025, pass hydropower around 2030, and coal before 2040.

BY Justine Lovell Mar 04 2019

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Increased gas and renewables to bump coal generation: EIA

The latest Energy Outlook by the US Energy Information Administrations predicts that the US will become a net energy exporter by 2020 – the first time in 67 years. We take a look at the report which provides modelled projections of domestic energy markets from today through to 2050.

BY Justine Lovell Feb 07 2019

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Power plant shutdowns: How Do You Prepare For The Transition?

Since 2012, more than 5000MW of generation capacity as left the National Electricity Market as coal-fired power plants have closed. Those closures, along with the anticipated exit of more traditional power plants into the future has prompted talk of the what a transition plan should look like. We take a closer look.

BY Justine Lovell Nov 08 2018

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Can power systems stand-alone?

Stand-Alone Power Systems are becoming increasingly economically viable as a substitute to not only grid extension, but to the existing grid itself, according to some commentators. But should they be market led or regulated?

BY David Markham Oct 25 2018

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Planning for summer: What have we learnt?

In May the Australian Energy Market Operator published its Summer 2017-18 Operations Review.

BY Ben Skinner Jun 08 2018

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Generator reliability and summer: The heat is on

In a modern electricity grid, reliability is a priority. An emerging challenge for Australia’s electricity system is how to maintain the reliability standard as the generation mix changes.

BY Ben Skinner Feb 01 2018

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Capacity factors: Understanding the misunderstood

With the current debate about the future of the Liddell Power Station in New South Wales, some media have focused on the plant’s capacity factor.

BY Carol Tran Dec 22 2017

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So you’d like to run an old coal fired power station…

There can be life at the end of a coal fired power station. But the ability to extend the life of these generators depends on a range of factors. It is not, as some suggest, simply a coat of paint and a tune up.

BY Matthew Warren Sep 08 2017

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There is no reliable power without a reliable plan

The electricity system is a giant machine in a giant transition. The task at hand is daunting: to refit the machine so it continues to deliver reliable and affordable power, whilst substantially reducing its greenhouse emissions through the first half of this century.

BY Matthew Warren Sep 07 2017

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