Australia's energy mix undergoes a major transformation! The share of renewable energy is steadily increasing.

Renewable energy—including wind, hydro, large-scale solar, and rooftop solar panels—rose from 19% in 2018 to 21% in 2019. Gas-fired generation increased by 6 percentage points to 21%. Although coal’s share declined from 60% to 56%, Angus Taylor, Australia’s Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, stated that these figures demonstrate coal’s "ongoing significance" in Australia’s energy mix, while also highlighting "growing reliance on natural gas." Taylor said: "Gas offers flexibility and provides the dispatchable capacity we increasingly need to balance intermittent renewables and deliver a secure, reliable, and affordable power system for our homes, businesses, and industries." Controversy surrounds plans for high-efficiency coal-fired power stations; their future remains uncertain. A discussion paper on the Morrison government’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction technology roadmap—scheduled for finalization in September—has cast doubt on coal’s future role in the grid. The report emphasizes drivers behind growing natural gas use and production, stating that switching from coal to gas could deliver a "quick win," reducing global energy-sector emissions by 10%. Citing a recent CSIRO forecast, the report projects domestic natural gas consumption will "increase by at least 20% by 2060," and gas production will rise by at least 90% over the same period. However, the report does not support the notion of "high-efficiency" coal-fired power stations—a proposal long advocated by some members of the National Party and Liberal Party. Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack responded to the release of this discussion paper by underscoring coal’s importance and emphasizing "opportunity for input" in policymaking.

Hydrogen Weekly – Week 4, February 2024

Recently, Toyota unveiled a new dual-cab concept vehicle—the HiLux—in Thailand. This dual-cab concept incorporates UK-sourced equivalent components and hydrogen fuel cell components from the Mirai sedan. Reportedly, beneath its body, the HiLux FCEV concept shares fuel cell powertrain technology with the Mirai sedan. Three 7-liter hydrogen tanks power this UTE, enabling a claimed driving range of up to 600 km. Link: h2.china-nengyuan.com/n... 6. Despite 50% government subsidies, South Korea’s hydrogen vehicle sales have plummeted to record lows. According to data from South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, hydrogen-powered vehicle sales fell to a new low in January 2024, with only two units sold nationwide—a 99.4% decline year-on-year compared to January 2023—despite widespread subsidies that cut the purchase price of the Hyundai Nexo (currently South Korea’s only commercially available hydrogen vehicle) by nearly half. Link: china-nengyuan.com/news... 7. Australia’s first dual-fuel natural gas and green hydrogen power plant commences operations in New South Wales. GE Vernova’s natural gas power business and EnergyAustralia recently announced the official commissioning of the Tallawarra B power station in Illawarra, New South Wales. Powered by GE Vernova’s 9F.05 gas turbine, Tallawarra B marks Australia’s first commercially operating dual-fuel natural gas/hydrogen power plant. Subject to appropriate scaling of the hydrogen manufacturing industry, EnergyAustralia expects to operate the plant using a blend of 5% (by volume) green hydrogen and natural gas by 2025. Tallawarra B is expected to become the world’s first 9F gas turbine to run on a natural gas–hydrogen fuel blend. Link: china-hydrogen.org/deta... 1. Rise of green methanol and green ammonia—investment opportunities emerge: Guohai Securities’ “In-Depth Report on the Green Hydrogen Industry” • Falling green electricity costs drive green hydrogen industry growth. Driven by both policy support and technological advancement, green electricity costs are declining, spurring vigorous development of China’s green hydrogen industry. According to statistics from the Hydrogen Branch of the China Industrial Development Promotion Association, from January to November 2023, a total of 64 green hydrogen projects were signed, approved, or publicly announced in China, with total planned investment exceeding RMB 410 billion. Upon full commissioning, these projects will add an annual green hydrogen production capacity of 2.347 million tonnes (green ammonia and green methanol projects converted to hydrogen-equivalent basis). Our calculations indicate that, as of January 2024, the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for photovoltaic power plants may fall to RMB 0.175/kWh, and when coupled with wind power, green electricity costs may drop to RMB 0.221/kWh. At this electricity price, alkaline electrolysis-based hydrogen production costs amount to RMB 15.20/kg; after deducting hydrogen production subsidies and carbon tax benefits, the net cost falls to RMB 11.90/kg. For PEM electrolysis, the corresponding costs are RMB 18.64/kg and RMB 15.34/kg respectively—gradually approaching the cost of coal-based hydrogen production (RMB 9.09/kg).

Australia’s New South Wales Backs Gas Power as Coal Plants Shut

20 hours ago

New South Wales has selected natural gas peaking plants over battery storage to manage power shortfalls from closing coal stations, while Origin Energy delays its largest coal plant's retirement until 2029.

bloomberg

2026-10-12

Australia’s New South Wales Backs Gas Power as Coal Plants Shut

Australia’s New South Wales Backs Gas Power as Coal Plants Shut

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