I caught a bit of a radio show today. They were dead wrong about why electricity and energy prices are high and I feel a responsibility to set the record straight.
A very short and digestible thread.
A very short and digestible thread.
Aus energy prices are high bc 1. RU invaded UKR, disrupting global energy supplies and causing global energy prices to skyrocket as countries scramble to move away from RU's fossil fuels 2. Aus is the largest export of gas in the world, and the largest exporter of coal, too.
In fact, we export double (or more) what we consume, which means... 3. we have to compete with the int'l market for coal and gas supplies when supplies get tight - so we pay the int'l price
^^those alone are enough to cause high domestic energy prices.
But in addition to that...
^^those alone are enough to cause high domestic energy prices.
But in addition to that...
3. coal-fired power plants are out of service in droves...and new outages or extensions of existing outages continue to plague the market 4. this means we need to burn more gas to generate electricity
So, actually, because we haven't invested MORE in renewables, our energy markets are stuck tied to insane international fossil fuel prices. Anyone who says renewables are making wholesale electricity more expensive right now has it all a bit backwards.
Well, since you're all here, solutions! ST: energy efficiency, demand response, check for best rates, solar. Also, gov't thoroughly considering policy levers. Chisel or sledgehammer, both need to be understood, quickly! LT: more RE, storage, optimisation, fuel-switching, biogas..
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