Energy Consultant States Renewable-Only Grid Will Cost 10-20 Percent More Than Mixed Grid

An energy consultant suggested that transitioning Australia’s energy network to net zero using only renewables would cost 10-20 percent more compared to a mix of nuclear, biomass, and other energy technologies.

Speaking at a recent parliamentary inquiry on Australia adopting nuclear energy, Geoff Bongers, the director of Gamma Energy Technology and a professor at the University of Queensland, discussed the trade-off between decarbonization and continuing with traditional fossil fuels.

Bongers stated, “When we decarbonize, it is going to cost us more. Whichever way we decarbonize, it’s going to be more expensive than the current environment, which does not help with the cost of living pressures.”

He also mentioned that if Australia were to decarbonize 80 percent of its emissions, a renewable-only grid would be more costly.

Moreover, Bongers highlighted the importance of including a variety of energy technologies in the power grid to create a balanced system, likening it to assembling a soccer team with different positions.

He stressed the need for low-emission energy sources like gas or nuclear to support a proper power network.

Bongers advocated for a future grid that would likely include around 15-20 gigawatts of dispatch or low-emission technology, complemented by wind and solar energy.

How Australia Can Remain Competitive in Net Zero Race

For Australia to stay competitive in a low-carbon world, Bongers suggested reducing emissions at the lowest possible cost.

He explained that maintaining a competitive advantage involved balancing cost considerations with the needs of energy-intensive industries like aluminum and green hydrogen that rely heavily on electricity.

Finally, Bongers emphasized the importance of ensuring different energy sources work together effectively as the grid expands and becomes more complex.