A recent public debate in Australia has included proposals to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and to extend the lifetime of existing coal-fired power plants through subsidies. Such measures risk locking the country into outdated infrastructure while overlooking the significant economic and technological opportunities presented by repowering these sites with Concentrated Solar Power (CSP).
According to insights shared by Repower Initiative and data from RepowerScore, Australia shows exceptionally high suitability for CSP at several major coal sites — with a 99% suitability match at locations such as Kwinana, Playford, Northern Augusta, Collinsville, Stanwell and Gladstone.
The volatility of solar generation can be effectively mitigated by pairing CSP with Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems. This combination enables continuous and reliable power production while avoiding the need to burn additional coal.
Repowering offers a credible pathway to lower Australia’s power bills, increase energy abundance, and move closer to meeting its commitments under the Paris Agreement — without prolonging the operation of ageing fossil infrastructure.
Read the full article on The Canberra Times:
https://lnkd.in/durYJSpE