BREAKING: Australia Switches to Solar Power, Coal Generates Less Than 50% of Electricity for the First Time
Subheadline: Transition to clean energy accelerates as grid operator reports striking shift towards renewable sources amidst climate worries
Date and Time: September 04, 2024 at 19:45 UT
[r/worldnews mod note:] This breaking story is original content from www.france24.com; please no duplicate posts*
In an unprecedented milestone in Australia’s energy landscape, coal for the first time generated less than 50% of the country’s electricity within a single power generation data period. Amidst surging concerns around climate change, the latest figures report a significant uptake in the nation’s cleaner energy prospects.
According to the Australia Grid Operator Authority (APA), the unprecedented shift happened during the afternoon peak periods of August and September when coal-fired energy output sagged to the lowest rates in history – a resounding 29.57% of aggregate electricity, while solar-power generation burst to a records-breaking peak of 6.55 gigawatt-hours per hour.
Analysts link this remarkable decline to policy changes, technology advancements and shifting consumer behavioral patterns
Experts attribute these developments, in part, to significant policy shifts:
1) Renewable Portfolios: "The ‘big stick’, as called by the regulators, allows for a standardized framework with penalties for any energy consumer failing to meet certain renewable supply targets," – Dr. James Wilson at the International Energy Agency highlights the country’s ambitious effort to move towards a self-sustainability.
- Decreasing Coal Operations: Closing down coal-related infrastructure operations and reducing plant capacity helped the nation’s energy diversification.
On the global stage, neighboring countries too are witnessing transformation
Rumors surfaced about Australian neighbors, Malaysia and Brazil, planning similarly bold coal-to-renewable movements.
*SEE ALSO
Coal’s End: Does Australia’s Climate Shift Reveal a Bigger Wave?
Australia Struggles to Balance Rising Energy Rates Amidst Declining Pollution
*FRANCE24 EXCLUSIVE: Interview excerpts with Dr James Wilson** (Audio/ Podcast)
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