Batteries 'cheaper' than gas plants as data centres fuel turbine costs
4 hours ago
- #Energy
- #Renewables
- #Technology
- Batteries are now cheaper than gas for supplying peak power demand in Australia.
- Rising demand for gas turbines from US data centers is increasing costs for gas-fired power.
- Battery costs are falling due to increased Chinese production.
- Data centers, especially in the US, are consuming large amounts of electricity and driving up turbine costs globally.
- By 2050, renewables like solar and wind are expected to supply up to 93% of Australia's electricity.
- Gas technologies will still play a limited role (3-7% of generation by 2050) in stabilizing the electricity system.
- The CSIRO forecasts further drops in electricity generation costs as more renewable and storage capacity is added.