AEMO report affirms looming energy shortfalls

17th August 2023

The Shadow Minister for Energy Dr Steve Thomas says that today’s release by the Australian Energy  Market Operator (AEMO) of the Statement of Market Opportunities for the Western Australian  energy system is a wake up call for the Cook Government and reinforces the position he has taken  on the state’s energy supply. 

“The latest review of our state’s electricity supply should be ringing alarm bells for the Government  with a significant shortfall of generation, storage and distribution all noted in the report” Dr Thomas  said. 

“This simply reinforces the message I have been giving for six months; the existing Cook Government  transition plan will not work. 

“The Government’s transition plan will not keep the lights on and air conditioners running as we  ultimately shift to a renewable future, and by making such a mess of the planning the Government is  likely to massively drive up the cost of the transition for consumers. 

“We need a transition that keeps the lights on and can be delivered at a cost that energy users,  especially households, can afford. 

“The Government looks to be failing that test at all levels.” 

The AEMO statement of market opportunities forecasts “a need for additional capacity from the  start of the outlook period in 2023-24, rising to 945 MW in 2025-26, and to around 4,000 MW by  2032-33” (see page 9 attached). 

“Even the market operator now acknowledges that the state may need an additional 4,000  megawatts at a time the Government is closing down 932MW from state run coal generators and  expects to lose another 434MW from the privately owned coal generator in Collie” Dr Thomas said. 

“While the report suggests a range of developments in generation, storage and transmission may  eventually arrive, this is not a proper plan to transition our energy system. 

“There is far too much hope and expectation on behalf of the Government and far too little practical  delivery. 

“This report is yet another wake up call for a Government that has not delivered a believable plan  for energy transition. 

“On top of a week where its management of the domestic gas needs of WA are in question, this  report shows the need for a rethink. If the Government had advance notice of the report it is  perhaps no wonder it is calling for an energy summit so someone can fix their self-created energy problems.” 

Ends.

Media contact: Dr Steve Thomas 0427 908 717