Experts warn Aussies to brace themselves for the 'hottest summer on record'. Here's why
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As the mercury rises, the Australian summer sun beats down with more intensity than ever.
More than just hot, sunny days, Aussies may face a new challenge that could leave many sweating and distressed.
Australia's transition from coal to renewable energy sources hit a few snags, which could lead to power shortages during the country's summer season.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Australia may experience the 'hottest summer on record', with temperatures expected to exceed 1.5C above the baseline.
This prediction meant a series of extreme heat days, severe heat waves, and unusual humidity levels.
With the unusually warm summer around the corner, power grids may have to work extra, along with the looming threat of blackouts on the East Coast and other Aussie states.
The country's power infrastructure showed signs of wear and tear after decades of service, which became a concern for several climate advocates.
'Our ageing coal power fleet is becoming increasingly unreliable, and climate change is only exacerbating the issue,' Climate Council Chief Executive Amanda McKenzie shared.
The aged coal-fired power stations are prone to sudden shutdowns due to faults known as 'trips'.
These 'trips' could happen anytime and have a high probability of occurring during heat waves—just when the demand for power peaks.
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has already briefed the industry on system readiness and reliability for the summer ahead.
Michael Gatt, AEMO's Executive General Manager of Operations, assured that preparations are underway.
'Across Australia, AEMO has undertaken extensive preparation ahead of summer. However, risks remain, and AEMO will continue to monitor the situation and take the necessary actions if required.' Mr Gatt stated.
Despite these assurances, energy expert and former Snowy Hydro project head Paul Broad is not convinced.
He pointed out recent mild summers as a veil over the actual state of the country's energy sector.
'It's a reflection on some of the really ill-considered policies and the rush to close our baseload power plants,' Mr Broad stated as he expressed his concern.
The opposition's climate change and energy spokesman, Ted O'Brien, echoed the same sentiment and called the current energy situation 'a mess'.
'You need to keep capacity, so if these weather-dependent resources aren't working, you need to have coal and gas doing what they need to do,' Mr O'Brien emphasised.
Last November, New South Wales and Queensland experienced heightened blackout warnings during an unseasonably hot spring.
As energy demands skyrocketed, NSW Premier Chris Minns urged the public to conserve power.
While the blackouts were avoided in the state, the incident should be a reminder of the limitations of the country's current power supply.
Have you experienced any power issues recently? Do you have any tips for staying comfortable during a blackout? Please share your stories and advice in the comments below, and we encourage everyone to keep cool, informed, and safe this summer.
More than just hot, sunny days, Aussies may face a new challenge that could leave many sweating and distressed.
Australia's transition from coal to renewable energy sources hit a few snags, which could lead to power shortages during the country's summer season.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Australia may experience the 'hottest summer on record', with temperatures expected to exceed 1.5C above the baseline.
This prediction meant a series of extreme heat days, severe heat waves, and unusual humidity levels.
Outdoor temperatures for this year's summer season could reach an abnormally high level. Image Credit: Pexels/Alexey Demidov
With the unusually warm summer around the corner, power grids may have to work extra, along with the looming threat of blackouts on the East Coast and other Aussie states.
The country's power infrastructure showed signs of wear and tear after decades of service, which became a concern for several climate advocates.
'Our ageing coal power fleet is becoming increasingly unreliable, and climate change is only exacerbating the issue,' Climate Council Chief Executive Amanda McKenzie shared.
The aged coal-fired power stations are prone to sudden shutdowns due to faults known as 'trips'.
These 'trips' could happen anytime and have a high probability of occurring during heat waves—just when the demand for power peaks.
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has already briefed the industry on system readiness and reliability for the summer ahead.
Michael Gatt, AEMO's Executive General Manager of Operations, assured that preparations are underway.
'Across Australia, AEMO has undertaken extensive preparation ahead of summer. However, risks remain, and AEMO will continue to monitor the situation and take the necessary actions if required.' Mr Gatt stated.
Despite these assurances, energy expert and former Snowy Hydro project head Paul Broad is not convinced.
He pointed out recent mild summers as a veil over the actual state of the country's energy sector.
'It's a reflection on some of the really ill-considered policies and the rush to close our baseload power plants,' Mr Broad stated as he expressed his concern.
The opposition's climate change and energy spokesman, Ted O'Brien, echoed the same sentiment and called the current energy situation 'a mess'.
'You need to keep capacity, so if these weather-dependent resources aren't working, you need to have coal and gas doing what they need to do,' Mr O'Brien emphasised.
Last November, New South Wales and Queensland experienced heightened blackout warnings during an unseasonably hot spring.
As energy demands skyrocketed, NSW Premier Chris Minns urged the public to conserve power.
While the blackouts were avoided in the state, the incident should be a reminder of the limitations of the country's current power supply.
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