SA goes green in Australian first
South Australia was powered entirely by renewable energy last week – the first time the target has been reached for seven consecutive days.
Woods Point Solar and Battery Farm at Murray Bridge. Photo supplied.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the achievement was also a first for Australia and potentially a world-first for a major jurisdiction.
“We know that we have a rather serious obligation on our hands to confront climate change,” the premier said on Monday.
“We know that renewable energy is a key component of making sure we address this challenge and South Australia is showing leadership in this regard.”
The power milestone was revealed as another solar farm and battery storage facility was opened at Murray Bridge, east of Adelaide.
The Woods Point site can generate 9000 megawatt hours of solar energy to power more than 1000 homes, and has 1000MWh of storage capacity.
The battery storage can be released into the grid when needed, either to meet high-demand periods or provide ancillary services to the grid.
Malinauskas said the project was one of a number where SA had demonstrated its ability to be less reliant on electricity generated by coal and gas interstate.
“There’s still a way to go, clearly,” he said.
“But if South Australia is able to continue to show the leadership that we know is required, then we will meet the transition earlier than other parts of the country.
“That will ultimately be to the benefit of the South Australian economy.”
The Woods Point facility was developed by Sustainable Energy Infrastructure Ltd and the Yates Electrical Services Group.
It has 9000 solar panels that follow the sun to maximise energy generation.
The facility is one of three being commissioned by the two companies this month, with the other two at Port Wakefield and Padthaway.
-AAP
