Powering into the future:
Above - Wind power adding to the power resource for the future of Western Australian needs.
An estimated 26,411 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity was generated in Western Australia in 2005/2006, most of which came from coal and natural gas sources. Renewable energy accounts for around three per cent of the state’s electricity generation, nearly half of which is produced from wind power.
About 55 per cent of the state’s electricity is generated on the SWIS, representing 14,467GWh in 2005/2006. Electricity is supplied to more than 840,000 properties in the SWIS region, the majority of whom are located in the Perth metropolitan area. A number of mining and mineral processing loads, which are supplied by on-site generation, are also connected to the system. Currently renewable energy is used to generate about four per cent of electricity in the SWIS.
The remaining 45 per cent of the state’s electricity is generated in regional Western Australia – about 11,944GWh in 2005/2006. Horizon Power supplies electricity to some 36,000 customers in 28 towns and isolated communities. Renewable sources contribute to approximately two per cent of total electricity generated in regional Western Australia.
For more information, go to:
 http:// www.energy.wa.gov.au
Electricity demand is growing considerably in the SWIS region. Western Australia’s highest electricity peak demand occurs during the hot summer months in the SWIS region, principally as a result of our cooling requirements. According to the Independent Market Operator, there is 3,747.8MW of generation capacity in service within the SWIS as at July 2006. Another 1,087.1MW of new generation capacity has been committed for construction. In total, there is 5,135.5MW of generation that is in place, under construction or proposed for 2008/2009.
For more information about the Independent Market Operator, go to:
http://www.imowa.com.au
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