Winter has well and truly arrived in Australia, particularly for those of us in the south-eastern states shivering through the coldest day of winter so far.
The plunging temperatures across the south-east of Australia has resulted in higher gas-powered generation (GPG) and gas usage particularly in Victoria and South Australia.
Days like these, which can result in over 1,000 TJ of consumption in Victoria, means it’s all hands on deck for those working in AEMO’s gas control room.
Today’s maximum temperature of 11˚C will possibly result in the state of Victoria reaching an all-time record gas consumption of approximately 1,300 terajoules (TJ), well above its previous record of 1,282 TJ, set on 17 July 2007. The second closest record was set on 3 August 2017 at 1,275 TJ.
South Australia was also not immune to the cold temperatures, with yesterday’s GPG consumption of 320 TJs approximately double its winter average.
These possible records continue to illustrate the ever-growing interdependency between Australia’s electricity and gas markets, and highlight the need for the energy industry and governments to look at longer-term solutions to address Australia’s ongoing energy demands.
More analysis on Australia’s gas outlook is available in our recently published Gas Statement of Opportunities and Victorian Gas Planning Report.