Coal has long played a key role in Australia s energy mix. The country boasts an abundance of coal reserves, indeed Australia is the fourth largest miner of coal in the world (with around -- destined for exports and the remainder utilised in the domestic energy sector). ...That being said, coal-fired power is set to expand over the forecast period. The low cost of development combined with thermal power s role as a stable baseload to balance out fluctuating renewables output means that investment in coal-fired power will continue, albeit at a somewhat slower rate. We also note that the current government is more supportive of thermal power, having repealed the carbon tax in ---- and since diverted investment away from renewables. ...In South Australia, for example, the closure of the state s last coal power plant in May ---- was followed by huge increases in spot prices, reaching AUD--- per MW in July, well above the regional average. Low cost coal is being touted as the affordable alternative to further renewables development.
...The privatisation process in Australia s power sector is ongoing. Western Power is reportedly being considered for sale by the Government of Western Australia (WA) government and in August ---- announced a series of business transformation measures to prepare for the sale. ...Renewables, primarily solar and wind power, is attracting the most investment with a number of projects entering the pipeline, supporting our forecasts for steady renewables growth. Solar power developer ESCO Pacific has submitted applications to develop three solar farms with a cumulative capacity of ---MW in Queensland while Windlab has received approval from the Flinders Shire Council for the first phase of a --MW solar-wind-energy storage hybrid project, also in Queensland, which involves an overall investment of more than AUD---mn (USD--.-mn) WA reportedly aims to raise AUD--bn from the sale. ...Solar power developer ESCO Pacific has submitted applications to develop three solar farms with a cumulative capacity of ---MW in Queensland while Windlab has received approval from the Flinders Shire Council for the first phase of a --MW solar-wind-energy storage hybrid project, also in Queensland, which involves an overall investment of more than AUD---mn (USD--.-mn)
...BMI View: Australia s power sector offers both substantial growth opportunities and significant challenges. The country has enormous renewables potential however inadequate integration of new renewables capacity into the grid results in volatile supplies which in turn has impacted upon pricing as thermal power plants have been mothballed and no longer provide a stable base-load. ...
