The Continent of Australia is one of the most energy rich countries in the world. And yet the state of South Australia has become blackout capital of the OECD. Nine coal-fired power stations have been closed and some renewable energy deployed in its place. Electricity prices are soaring to the extent that Energy Matters’ readers are alarmed. Is there a connection between these events?
In 2016, Australia exported 403 million tonnes of coal against domestic consumption of 89 million tonnes. It makes no sense for the Australian government to burden its citizens with more expensive and less reliable electricity if the coal that Australians would have burned is simply exported. If the Australian government is genuinely concerned about CO2 emissions, it should begin by closing down its coal export industry.
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