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New Data Reveals WA Renewables Record

NEW DATA reveals that renewable energy generation in Western Australia’s largest grid has doubled in the past three years, and now provides over a quarter of the south west’s power, while gas slumped to its lowest levels in eight years. 

Between the first half of 2020 and the first half of 2021, renewables surged by 41 percent and now powers 30 percent of the state’s main grid. Gas generation decreased by 18 percent, dropping to its lowest levels since 2013. 

Former West Australian, Climate Council spokesman and former BP Australasia President, Greg Bourne said this is the biggest jump in renewables Western Australia has ever seen. 

“Wind and solar are now supplying just as much of the state’s power as gas, despite an increase in electricity demand. Gas simply cannot compete with renewable energy, which is bringing down power prices for consumers and creating a cleaner, healthier energy system,” said Mr Bourne. 

“The International Energy Agency has made it clear that in order to meet net zero emissions by 2050 globally, no new fossil fuels reserves can be developed. This warning also aligns with our own Australian Energy Market Operator, which wants Australia's grid ready to handle 100 percent renewable energy by 2025,” he said. 

“Every taxpayer dollar spent on new gas-fired power infrastructure is at risk of being wasted on unnecessary stranded assets,” said Mr Bourne.  

“WA needs to continue to cash in on its incredible renewable advantage and supply of critical minerals to create new clean jobs, lower electricity bills and strengthen its economy,” he said.

Further information: 

The South West Interconnected System (SWIS) is Western Australia’s largest electricity grid, supplying power to Perth and the south-west region as far east as Kalgoorlie and as far north as Kalbarri.

OpenNEM is an open source platform that displays electricity generation data. This data covers the period from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021. You can view the data here.

For interviews please contact Brianna Hudson on 0455 238 875 or Vai Shah on 0452 290 082 

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