Powered up for next two years

Adelaide Advertiser
Saturday 20/11/2010 Page: 49

RENEWABLE energy from catchments such as wind farms have pumped enough reserve power into the grid to safeguard Adelaide's supply through the next two summers. Australian Energy Market Operator spokesman Paul Bird said South Australia's supplies were more than ready for the peak period between mid-January and mid-March. "There is sufficient supply to meet demand and a reserve buffer for contingencies and other events", he said. "The increase is a result of the ongoing growth, especially in the past six months in the amount of wind farms in the state".

He said the outlook was so promising that he predicted a surplus for both this and the following, summer despite an increase in consumer demand. More wind power is generated in SA than in all other Australian states combined and wind farms provide about 20% of the state's power. Mr Bird, however, could not rule out a return to load shedding if extreme conditions hit, such as the 2009 heatwave, because of a surge in demand for power.

ETSA spokesman Paul Roberts said the utility had learnt from blackouts over the past few summers and was well equipped to handle any issues that arise. "Previous heat waves have brought to our attention some capacity issues that we are now aware of", Mr Roberts said. SA wind farms have pumped about 280MW into the grid during the past 18 months.