The world is in a double bind with global warming. The population is spiraling, and demanding more electricity. While at the same time conventional power generation is churning out carbon. The recent high temperatures in Australia illustrate this point. Heatwaves and solar batteries are the optimum combination for that country.
Solar Panels Are the Best Way to Counter Heatwaves
Australians have to do something to counter the temperatures from heatwaves, that could otherwise harm them. But those in South Australia must rely on their local power grid for their air conditioners, because it has no onward networks.
For this reason their state is adding up to 50 gigawatts of new wind and solar, requiring complementary storage batteries. This in turn creates space to decommission its fleet of polluting coal power stations.
An unusual climatic event during January and February 2024 put the combination of heatwaves and solar batteries to the test. Wind also made a lesser contribution, as a record heatwave smashed previous highs according to Renew Economy.
All six of South Australia’s record peak-demand periods occurred during those first two months of 2024. Indeed, temperatures peaking well above 40°C / 104°F would have severely strained the grid after sunset without batteries.
How the Role of Battery Storage Proved Critical
Renew Economy goes on to explain how rooftop solar and associated batteries were critical on those hot, sunny days. Heatwaves and solar batteries worked together with climate on those occasions, because production and demand were moving in similar directions.
There’s a related drive afoot on the Western Australia grid too, where four new big batteries are coming online. All of these have the task of capturing excess solar energy in daytime, so the grid can power air conditioners on hot sweaty nights.
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Big Batteries in South Australia on a Roll
