Australia is awash with misinformation about climate change and renewable energy, much of it stoked by the coal lobby- supported Liberal-National government, aided and abetted by the Murdoch press. So, I am not surprised to find that Andrew Kenny is misinformed about South Australia’s Tesla big battery project, the Hornsdale Power Reserve, (April 23). Financial information provided by French renewable energy developer Neoen shows that the battery cost $A87m ($61m) and took less than 100 days to install. In the first year of operation it generated net revenues of more than 25% of the capital cost and saved almost $A40m in grid costs. The Australian energy market operator confirms that the battery has stabilised the network and prevented blackouts as a result of its speed, versatility and accuracy in responding to events, especially as coal-fired units tripped out as demand peaked during a summer of record high temperatures. Most importantly, it has reduced the cost of electricity ...
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