Fast-start gas generation has helped Victoria avoid further rolling blackouts after a significant event tripped all four units of Loy Yang A – which was providing more than 20% of the state’s electricity.
As solar generation fell away due to stormy weather and wind generation also dropped, fast-start gas turbines were periodically generating more than a third of Victoria’s electricity to prevent additional blackouts. There were no outages to Victoria’s underground pipeline or gas distribution networks.
APGA chief executive Steve Davies says these serious events reflect the importance of a diversified energy system in order to deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to consumers.
“Victoria’s gas generators prevented a worse outcome from occurring,” Mr Davies said.
“There aren’t any low-cost alternatives that can rapidly provide a third of a state’s electricity in response to an emergency event. We must secure this future capability by including gas in the Capacity Investment Scheme.”
“As the energy transition progresses, there’s no guarantee gas will be there when it’s needed in future as it was on Tuesday if it continues to be excluded from energy investment policies.”
“The healthy gas market not only provides energy every day across the country. It acts as the safety net, storing huge amounts of energy that can be drawn on during a crisis – whether that’s cooking and heating at home during load shedding events or generating electricity for trams to ensure Victorians can get home safely from work.”
“Today, it’s natural gas. Tomorrow, it will be renewable gas. Together, we must prioritise pragmatic energy policy that puts reliability, affordability, and sustainability at its centre.”
About
The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA) represents the owners, operators, designers, constructors, and service providers of Australia’s pipeline infrastructure, connecting natural and renewable gas production to demand centres in cities and other locations across Australia. Our members offer a wide range of services to gas users, retailers and producers and ensure the safe and reliable delivery of 28 per cent of the end-use energy consumed in Australia.
Contact
For further information or the opportunity to engage with Mr Steve Davies please contact:
Paul Purcell
Corporate Affairs Manager
0422 247 750
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