Thread: Horror heatwave blackout fears for Victoria

They have better leaders who make rational decisions based on science, not ideology.

Didn’t realise you lot where that keen on Trump

Ha! As if...

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

So Victoria's coal fired power stations failed to do the job and and Victoria had to import hydro power from Tasmania, wind, solar and gas power from SA and power from NSW, which is itself importing gas and solar power from Queensland. Gee, those Victorians better install more renewable power quick smart to make up for the failing coal power

Maybe if the maintenance had been kept up on the coal plants, the turbines wouldn't have been off-line?
The simple fact is that the renewable energy inputs into the grid are not currently sufficient to meet the demands. I believe the article states that around 40% of the states power is being met by renewables. They still need the coal-powered stations.
Failing to maintain these simply because they are unpopular, is typical of the wooly headed thinking that pervades all levels of government these days.

Originally Posted by donh54

Maybe if the maintenance had been kept up on the coal plants, the turbines wouldn't have been off-line?
The simple fact is that the renewable energy inputs into the grid are not currently sufficient to meet the demands. I believe the article states that around 40% of the states power is being met by renewables. They still need the coal-powered stations.
Failing to maintain these simply because they are unpopular, is typical of the wooly headed thinking that pervades all levels of government these days.

I Agree

I have NO problem whatsoever with ALL of our power needs coming from renewables But until we have enough renewable power and it is 100% reliable it is insanity to shut down/not maintain our coal and gas power plants.

The coal power stations were found to be so clapped out the owners themselves, such as AGL, don't think it's worth upgrading them, which would only be temporary anyway.
Gas is replacing coal and renewables plus batteries is going up rapidly. The horse has bolted.

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

The coal power stations were found to be so clapped out the owners themselves, such as AGL, don't think it's worth upgrading them, which would only be temporary anyway.

Correct, that's why Hazelwood was closed down. But I'm interested to know who it was that let maintenance slip ....

Originally Posted by Arapiles

Correct, that's why Hazelwood was closed down. But I'm interested to know who it was that let maintenance slip ....

Hazelwood was already decades beyond it’s designed life. First PLE (Plant life extension) was done in 1988 - when I was a first year Apprentice there. The next PLE would have basically been a total rebuild, which was due around 2020 I believe had it continued to operate. It was actually capable of more than it’s designed 1,600MW when it was shut down, previous upgrades had increased its capacity by nearly 10% over the years (mainly better cooling of the main alternators).

I wasn’t against it being shut down, it was a rotten, bygone relic IMO but the problem was a lack of forethought about what should replace the 1,600MW hole in capacity when it was turned off - a hole we now know is still quite large...