Adding batteries at coal-fired generators sounded like the craziest thing we heard at first sight. Get rid of all fossil, was our first response. They are the number one enemy of the renewable energy world. And then we thought about this again. Coal power stations have functional turbines and power lines connecting to the grid. We just need another kettle to boil the water!
Coal-Fired Generators Become Energy Hubs With Batteries
“So our existing power stations will become energy hubs,” Queensland’s energy minister Mick de Brenni explains. We will install renewable energy components at coal-fired power plants, which will progressively replace them.
“We’ll add battery storage and hydrogen-powered generators to the mix, and they should come on line relatively soon. The project will create 48,000 construction jobs, and help Queensland transition to net zero.
“And so we’ll have our traditional turbines there,’ the energy minister continues. “We’ll add to those synchronous condensers, we’ll have battery storage, hydrogen production, and a range of other services to the broader energy system from those power stations.”
However, he was loathe to say if, or when fossil fuel generation would phase out entirely. He is on record saying oil and gas would need to be in Queensland’s energy mix for some time. So is this simply a convenient smokescreen?
No It Is Not. The Conversion Must Be Progressive
A grid changeover must be progressive to avoid destabilizing the system. That’s because a major difference between demand and supply – even for the moment – could trip the grid and take days to recover. Besides, the new technology costs money and that’s always in short supply.
Therefore it makes sense to transition via existing infrastructure that is already up and running. “Of course, we’re already seeing a worldwide shift from fossil fuels,” the energy minister continues. “But the reality is they will continue to play a key role. We won’t be closing the gate on any of our traditional thermal generators.
“They will be continuing to perform an important function, varied functions into the future as they support the greater uptake of solar, wind, and initiatives like pump storage.” The overarching goal is to have 50% renewables by 2030, and that is already a great improvement.
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