GHGs From Australian Coal Plants Rose Slightly In 1st Half Of 2024 As Wind/Hydro Fell Off, Power Demand Grew

Greenhouse gas emissions from Australia’s ageing coal-fired power plants rose slightly in the first half of the year, reversing years of declining pollution from the power section and raising questions about the country’s ability to meet its climate targets.

An increase in electricity consumption across the country and lower than usual wind and hydro output led to an increase in coal generation. It pushed up emissions from the electricity grid between January and June. Climate pollution from the east coast power grid had previously been falling steadily as renewable energy pushed out coal and gas, lifting the share of solar, wind and hydro to about 40%.

Though at this stage only a short-term trend, the rise in electricity emissions is at odds with official government projections, which had forecast that coal-fired generation would continue to fall by about 10 terra-watt hours a year. In reality, coal plant output is up about 3.5% this year.

It meant that while Australia’s total national emissions were down a fraction over the year to March – by 0.6% – they increased in the March quarter and, based on preliminary data, the June quarter. According to the latest quarterly greenhouse gas update, Australia’s emissions are 440.2m tonnes, which is 28.2% less than they were in 2005 – the baseline year against which it has made domestic and international commitments. The Albanese government has legislated a reduction targets of 43% by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

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https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/aug/30/emissions-from-coal-fired-power-stations-rise-as-wind-and-hydro-dip