South Australia’s push for renewables has made it a global leader, but recent events show firming and long-term storage are essential for grid reliability. In December 2024, the government asked for diesel generators to be reactivated to prevent summer blackouts—highlighting the risks of relying solely on intermittent sources like wind and solar. Delays to the EnergyConnect project have added pressure. While batteries like the new Mount Gambier facility are part of the solution, more investment is needed. Without firming capacity, the state risks shortfalls that undermine its clean energy goals. Reliable, dispatchable storage is no longer optional—it’s critical.

Further reading can be found here https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-02/sa-government-asks-for-diesel-generators-to-be-switched-back-on/104672956