Transitioning to Renewables and a Low-Carbon Energy Grid: A Pathway to Resolve the Firming Capacity Impasse
T h e challenge for stable electricity on an energy grid, powered primarily by renewables, is to ensure continuous energy when the sun isn't shining, or the wind isn't blowing; or even if there is a sudden spike in demand i.e., Firming capacity. As renewables replace coal, significant issues over energy security have ignited public concern and controversy whether renewables, such as wind and solar energy, ensure stable electricity power . Public concern resonates with the following opinion by the former Energy Security Board of Australia chairwoman, Dr Kerry Schott, as reported in the Australian Financial Review (28 February 2023): ‘Former energy tsar, Kerry Schott, has criticised State governments, especially Victoria, for “demonising” gas, saying the fuel was crucial to shift the electricity grid from coal to renewable energy as part of the net zero transition… gas has to be part of the solution in the transition to renewable energy”. The divergent o