Less carbon-intensive technologies to power new electricity generation developments

14 November 2012

Four wind-powered, four gas-fired and one hydro electricity generation projects were completed in the year to October 2012, adding 1,546 megawatts of capacity to the Australian electricity grid at a capital cost of around $2.5 billion, according to the Major electricity generation projects, November 2012 report released today by BREE.

he report details electricity generation projects with a capacity of more than 30 megawatts that are at various stages of development around Australia. .

At the end of October 2012, 20 projects were at an advanced stage of development (defined as ‘committed’ or ‘under construction’) with an estimated generation capacity of 3,017 megawatts and a capital cost of $6.5 billion.

BREE’s Executive Director and Chief Economist, Professor Quentin Grafton said that gas-fired and wind-powered projects accounted for around 80 per cent of the projects at an advanced stage of development and are becoming increasingly important in Australia’s energy mix.

There were fourteen advanced renewable energy projects, including 12 wind projects, one hydro upgrade project and one solar thermal project. These renewable projects have a combined capacity of 2,029 megawatts, or around 67 per cent of the capacity of projects at an advanced stage of development.

The six non-renewable projects accounted for around 33 per cent of announced total new capacity with a combined capacity of 988 megawatts. The four gas‑fired advanced projects are planned to add 528 megawatts to capacity, with 460 megawatts to be added by coal-fired generation projects.

“Less carbon-intensive non-renewable energy sources, particularly gas, as well as the development and application of renewable energy technologies are expected to make a larger contribution to Australia’s electricity supply over the next few years,” Professor Grafton said.

A further 133 projects were identified as being at a less advanced stage of development (undergoing feasibility studies and/or awaiting approval), of which 91 plan to use renewable energy sources.

In 2010-11, 68 per cent of electricity generation in Australia was coal-fired, followed by gas (19 per cent) and 12 per cent renewable energy sources (hydro seven per cent, wind two per cent).

For free downloads of the Major Electricity Generation Projects November 2012 report, please visit the BREE website www.bree.gov.au.

Media Contact:

For media enquiries, contact Nhu Che on 02 6243 7539 or Nhu.Che@bree.gov.au.