Gas Storage

Ensuring Stability and Reliability in a Sustainable Future

As we move toward a sustainable future, renewable energy sources like wind and solar power are key players in reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. But their intermittent nature can make the energy grid unstable. This is where gas storage projects like that at Golden Beach play a critical role, acting as a crucial partner to help balance and support a consistent energy supply.

The Intermittency Challenge of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy relies on natural phenomena, which can be unpredictable and inconsistent. This results in energy generation fluctuations, with periods of surplus and deficit. For example, solar power is limited to daylight hours and can be impacted by weather, while wind power depends on ever-changing wind patterns.

Balancing Supply and Demand

The biggest challenge is balancing supply and demand. High renewable energy generation can lead to oversupply, while low generation can create deficits, risking grid instability or forcing greater reliance on coal-fired generation. The greater the penetration of renewables, the more challenging it becomes to balance the system at times when the wind doesn’t blow or the sun doesn’t shine.

Gas Storage: A Reliable Partner

Gas storage offers a solution by acting as a buffer, storing gas when demand for it is low (usually in the summer months) and releasing it for fuelling gas powered generators, industrial or residential supply when demand is high (usually in winter and when renewable generation is low). This helps ensure a stable energy supply.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), which is the government body responsible for maintaining the reliability of the electricity and gas markets, has called for the development of new gas storage facilities to help secure the market as more renewables enter the system.

Flexibility and Responsiveness

Gas storage facilities can quickly respond to changes in supply and demand. This is crucial during peak demand periods or unexpected drops in renewable energy generation, maintaining stability in the energy system.

Long-Term Storage Capabilities

Unlike some other storage technologies like batteries, gas storage can store large amounts of energy for long periods. This is essential for ensuring energy security during extended low renewable generation periods, like winter months or prolonged low wind periods.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

Integrating gas storage with renewable energy reduces the need for prolonging the life of coal fired power stations or over-building renewables, thereby lowering emissions and supporting a cleaner energy system. This can also help put downward pressure on energy prices.

The shift to renewable energy requires reliable and flexible storage solutions. Gas storage addresses the intermittency challenge, ensuring a stable supply, supporting renewable integration and paving the way for a sustainable future.