Coal is still KING: Shocking chart shows how Australia’s largest state relies on fossil fuel for energy
- Coal is the dominant source of NSW electricity
- During heat waves it provided two-thirds of the power
- Radio presenter fears the worst if coal-fired power stations close
Crisp numbers reveal one state’s overwhelming energy dependence on fossil fuels, even as it prepares to shut down two major coal plants.
On Wednesday, Sydney 2GB radio presenter Ben Fordham noted on air that the city’s preceding two hot days, where temperatures reached around 35°C, almost led to blackouts in NSW.
He said the state’s energy market operator has activated an amber warning to urgently request more power to the grid as it struggled to keep air conditioners running.
Fordham said that during the 48-hour period, coal was the dominant source of energy, accounting for 68 percent of the energy used.
The remaining third of the power came from gas, which contributed a measly two percent, hydropower five percent, while wind and solar generated 12 and 13 percent, respectively.
Coal still proved to be the dominant energy source for NSW during a two-day heat wave, according to radio presenter Ben Fordham
Fordham said coal had generated nearly 73 percent of the state’s power needs over the past year, something not acknowledged by Coalition NSW energy minister Matt Kean or his federal Labor counterpart Chris Bowen.
“I think there are some politicians who owe us all an apology because the way they have demonized coal and gas has left us all vulnerable,” Fordham said.
“Coal is still the most vital source of energy (but) that time is coming to an end.”
Fordham noted that the Liddell Power Station in the N SW Hunter Region, which supplies about 10 percent of the state’s coal-fired electricity, will close in March.
Fordham was scathing about Australia’s energy policy, saying politicians owed the public an apology for ‘demonizing coal’
Australia’s largest fossil fuel power station, the Eraring Station on the NSW Central Coast, which supplies a quarter of the state’s coal-fired power and 10 percent of Australia’s total power, will close in 2025.
The closure is seven years earlier than previously planned after a surprising decision by owner Origin.
“Saying goodbye to Liddell and saying goodbye to Eraring in two years — there’s nothing that can replace them,” Fordham said.
‘That destroys about 30 percent of the electricity from the grid.
“Blackout alerts will be as regular as our traffic alerts on 2 GB.”
Fordham said the plan to replace the plants was “just embarrassing.”
He noted that the gas plant being built in the town of Kurri Kurri is a year behind schedule, a proposed ‘super battery’ will only be able to store power for the state for about two hours and there were big questions about the Snowy 2.0 hydrogen/hydro project .
“No one is suggesting that it (the proposed replacements) make up for the coal power plants,” Fordham said.
Fordham predicted that as a result of the disappearance of coal, electricity prices will rise “as if they weren’t already high enough.”
The talkback presenter was referring to an article by former ACTU boss and Labor MP Jennie George, which appeared in The Australian on Feb. 15, arguing that NSW’s heavy industry would face power shortages if coal-fired power stations were to close.
NSW Energy Secretary Matt Kean (pictured right at the Rocky Horror Picture Show musical in Sydney in February) was a particular target of Fordham over energy concerns
“Relying on renewables and battery power will not benefit local industry,” Fordham said.
“We need to keep these coal-fired plants running until renewables can shoulder the load.”
He urged NSW Prime Minister Dominic Perrott to act urgently to make this happen.
Fordham also pointed out that Germany has reopened 20 coal plants to get through the winter, while China and India added huge amounts of fossil energy.
“The rest of the world must think we’re idiots,” Fordham said.
“We have this stuff (coal) in our ears.
“And those responsible don’t want to use it, what a monumental failure.”