Queenslanders are being warned of potential blackouts this summer, with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) identifying a “reliability gap” in electricity supplies.<\/p>\n
AEMO on Thursday released a 10-year outlook report, describing “short-term” challenges for a number of reasons.<\/p>\n
“A small reliability gap (80 MW) is forecast in Queensland in 2025-26 due to reduced generator availability, higher forecasts of maximum demand and delayed project commissioning,” the report stated.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Reduced generator capacity and expected higher demand are among the reasons for the warning. (ABC News: Christopher Gillette)<\/p>\n
Energy program director at the Grattan Institute Tony Wood said the outlook is “not a statement of catastrophe”.<\/p>\n
Instead, he said it highlights the need to plan ahead to avoid power shortfalls over the peak summer period.<\/p>\n
“We need to be planning for potential actions if things go badly,” he said.<\/p>\n
Mr Wood said options to avoid blackouts include sourcing electricity from other, potentially more expensive markets, or paying large power consumers to be on stand-by to cut their electricity use during peak times.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Grattan Institute’s Tony Wood said there are options to try and avoid blackouts. (ABC News)<\/p>\n
Electricity consumption to increase<\/p>\n
The report forecast electricity consumption would increase by 21 per cent over the next decade and noted the importance of delivering new infrastructure.<\/p>\n
“On-time and in-full delivery of committed, anticipated and federal and state government supported generation projects, as well as actionable transmission developments and the coordination of embedded consumer resources, is critical for reliability,” it read.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Shannon Fentiman has argued the government needs a better plan. (ABC News: Chris Gillette)<\/p>\n
Shadow Treasurer Shannon Fentiman said the AEMO report was concerning given the lack of clarity over the state government’s energy road map.<\/p>\n
“Their only plan so far has been to cut renewable projects and to continue to rely on coal-fired power stations indefinitely,” she said.<\/p>\n
“They need a plan to continue energy supply and to keep prices down.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The government’s new “energy road map” is due to be delivered by the end of the year. (ABC News: Christopher Gillette)<\/p>\n
Calls to scrap ‘old coal clunkers’<\/p>\n
The LNP government has scrapped the former Labor administration’s mega-hydro project in the Pioneer Valley, west of Mackay.<\/p>\n