The Clean Energy Council has released figures showing that wind power met 43% of South Australia’s electricity needs during the month of July. At times during the month it even supplied 100% of demand.

“With more than 40 per cent of the state’s power demand provided by wind energy for the entire month, it is clear that large amounts of renewable energy can be added to the system without the need for extra backup generation to be built,” said Clean Energy Council Acting Chief Executive Kane Thornton. “The South Australian example shows that wind power can generate jobs and investment, as well as large amounts of renewable electricity. During a short period early in the morning of 31 July, wind power met all of the state’s power needs, as well as providing more than 90 per cent for large parts of 8 July.”

The new 275MW Snowtown II wind farm that was completed earlier in the month helped to boost the record further above their previous record of around 28%.The state also boasts 500MW’s of solar power so…

renewable energies could be powering 50% of the state!

“This technology has been a clear wind-win for South Australia, generating more than $5 billion of investment over the last decade, creating hundreds of jobs and providing the state with a cleaner power supply – at a low cost to consumers,” said Thornton.

“None of this would be possible without the national Renewable Energy Target, which is currently under review. Approximately $15 billion of additional investment will be generated by the policy if the scheme if left as it is currently legislated.”