Queensland (QLD) operational demand (see definition in image below) reached a new all-time record of 10,052 MW at 4.55pm yesterday (13th February 2019) largely as a result of temperature driven demand. Despite record demand, spot prices remained steady with QLD generators ramping up generation and conservative bidding from key generators.
In terms of what type of generation was keeping the lights on, black coal and gas were the two largest contributing fuel sources (as shown in the image below). At the time of peak demand, 6,458 MW of generation was coming from coal and 2,253 MW from gas (natural gas and coal seam gas).
Should demand have crept even higher, Wivenhoe pumped storage hydro still had capacity to ramp up generation to maintain stable pricing.
If you have any questions regarding this article, please contact Edge Energy Services on 07 3905 9227.
