Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) acknowledges the recent electricity supply shortages in South Australia that resulted in rolling blackouts, even though generation capacity existed in gas power plants that lay idle;

(b) recognises the potential for batteries and energy storage to both stabilise energy supply and drive down costs in South Australia; and

(c) calls on the Government to fix the National Energy Market's rules and level the playing field by implementing 5-minute settlement periods.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On 8 February, the Australian Energy Market Operator directed load shedding in South Australia. At that time, thermal generation was supplying 68 per cent of South Australia's electricity, operating at 81 per cent capacity; wind generation was supplying three per cent, operating at six per cent capacity; and solar generation was supplying five per cent, operating at 22 per cent capacity. To date, the government has committed $220 million for storage projects, including the virtual power plant being built in South Australia, and a number of feasibility studies examining pumped hydro projects. The Australian Energy Market Commission, the body responsible for making the rules in the national electricity market, is currently considering a rule to move to five-minute settlement. The Australian Energy Market Commission has publicly stated that a directions paper will be published on 11 April setting out its initial position, and a draft rule will be published in July.

Question agreed to.