The summer readiness report released by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) revealed a 1.500 megawatt increase in scheduled generation capacity available to the eastern states compared to last year. Furthermore, new wind and solar farms will contribute around 2.000 MW of additional generation capacity compared to summer 2022/23.
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“The forecast for this summer points to hot and dry El Niño conditions, which increases the risk of forest fires and extreme temperatures. This could lead to a peak demand for electricity, something that happens once every 10 years in the eastern states and Western Australia,” said Michael Gatt, general manager of operations at AEMO.
Weather patterns indicate a hotter and drier than average summer across Australia. August and October recorded the driest three-month period since 1900, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. Generally, El Niño patterns result in less rainfall and warmer temperatures in eastern Australia until late spring. This increases wildfire risks after three relatively wet and mild summers.
Households are also increasing their production capacity, adding about 2.256 MW of new rooftop solar in the first nine months of 2023, according to Green Energy Markets. If the pace continues, another 750 MW could be added by the end of the year.
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