Shadow,

The most efficient way to provide the infrastructure would be something based on the pre corporatization model, where the state provides the infrastructure (contracting individual projects out to the private sector if the private sector can complete them more efficiently). Rather than trying to make a profit, the state utility would merely aim to break even, and pass the savings on to the customers. But federal government policy has made the states cash strapped and fearful of debt so the states decided they wanted better financial results instead of better serving the economy's long term needs. They started skimming profits off. The profits were increased until the utilities became cash cows for the state governments. Then they sold off the utilities; effectively they were selling off a licence to rip off electricity consumers. And the regulators have been too weak to stop any of this.

Renewable energy is not challenging the sustainability of the SA system at all. Adding more capacity doesn't destabilise the system; it merely creates minor technical challenges that can easily be overcome.

Getting investment in SA is indeed a significant problem. The boom of the 1959s and 60 was driven by more than cheap reliable energy; it was mainly driven by a lower award wages, largely due to a lower cost of living that was the result of plenty of cheap land. That's gone now, though land here's still much cheaper than interstate capitals.

But the energy deficiency of last week was a one off. Normally SA does have a reliable electricity supply, and costs for business are competitive despite the Federal takeover of the industrial relations system.

And FWIW I agree that Germany would be better off retaining nuclear power. It's far less sunny than SA, and has a much greater population density, so the cost of renewables would be far higher there than here.

Aiden said;
Germany would be better off retaining nuclear power. It's far less sunny than SA,

Hmmm, yes they would be better with nuclear as the sun does set in
Germany and right in the middle of the afternoon in winter.
Doesn't get up till about 10am.
Even the school kids go to school in the dark.

Adelaide today. Sunny, slight breeze, no 'storms'. No so happy in the Happy Valley area, where 20,000 houses are without power.

'Adelaide today. Sunny, slight breeze, no 'storms'. No so happy in the Happy Valley area, where 20,000 houses are without power.'

get use to it ttbn. The alarmist have been proven wrong with almost every prediction and now they have destroyed a perfectly good electricity system. Denial and deceit is all part of the course for the dumbed down renewables supporters.

ttbn,

So you were just trolling? I guess that explains a lot, though I really can't see the point.

FWIW Wikipedia wasn't my first source of information about the gas turbines, although it was where I found out about the one at the Coopers Brewery. Despite Wikipedia's reputation it is usually very accurate - you should try using it more often.

And no, I was not on talkback radio.

Where did you get the 20000 house figure? According to the SA Power Networks website, it's 159 at Happy Valley, and it's due to equipment damage. A further thousand are without power in the hills due to storm damage.

These sorts outages are unremarkable, and occur in every state.

Aidan,

Seriously, have you ever seen a state government run something without taking money out? Besides I was commenting on what they do rather than what they should.

Getting back to the topic, as pointed out Germany is having to commission new coal fired generators to replace the nukes because renewables just can't cut the mustard.