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today22 October 2024
AGL Energy’s Bayswater Power Station in the Hunter Valley has successfully trialled a method allowing its coal-fired units to be switched off and back on within a 12-hour window. This pioneering approach, known as “two-shifting”, marks a departure from the traditional operation of coal plants and paves the way for greater integration of renewable energy sources.
Traditionally, coal-fired power stations have been designed for continuous, stable output, making them inflexible in responding to the variable supply of renewable energy. The successful trial at Bayswater demonstrates that coal plants can adapt to the evolving energy market, providing flexibility previously thought unattainable.
Len McLachlan, Bayswater’s General Manager, announced the achievement, stating, “Our team disconnected just 20 seconds ahead of our 10 am target and reconnected within 50 seconds of the 3 pm target. This level of precision on our first attempt is extraordinary and sets a new benchmark for our operations.”
The inspiration for this initiative came after AGL’s senior executives visited the Ratcliffe Power Station in England last October. Ratcliffe had implemented similar flexible operations before ceasing coal generation earlier this year. Insights from this visit gave the Bayswater team the confidence to explore two-shifting capabilities.
“After months of pre-testing, simulation training, and detailed planning supervised by our Performance and Flexible Operations Manager, George Hague, this trial succeeded,” Mr McLachlan said. “It enables us to maximise our market involvement during peak times and avoid low-price periods.”
By enabling coal units to be turned off during periods of low demand and high renewable generation—such as midday when solar output peaks—Bayswater’s two-shifting approach allows more room for renewable energy in the grid. This flexibility reduces the need for wind and solar farms to curtail their output during times of negative pricing, a common occurrence when coal plants cannot reduce their generation.
Energy analysts have hailed the development as a significant step towards a more sustainable and reliable energy system. Dr Dylan McConnell, an energy systems expert at the University of New South Wales, commented, “A system with this much renewable generation will have significant periods of at or near 100% renewable energy. The ability for coal plants to operate flexibly is valuable as we transition to a cleaner energy mix.”
AGL plans to keep Bayswater operational until at least 2033 and sees the two-shifting capability as a way to bridge the gap during Australia’s transition to renewables. The flexibility may reduce reliance on other peaking plants and enhance grid stability, ensuring reliable power supply as more renewable projects come online.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication and expertise of Bayswater’s teams,” Mr McLachlan said. “Our operators performed flawlessly, maintenance teams ensured system availability, and our performance and engineering teams provided crucial support.”
The ability to ramp coal generation up and down not only has economic benefits for operators—allowing them to avoid operating during periods of low or negative prices—but also environmental advantages. By reducing coal output when renewable energy is abundant, overall emissions can be lowered.
However, some industry observers caution that while two-shifting offers benefits, it is not a long-term solution for coal’s survival. David Leitch, an energy industry analyst, noted, “It’s a very positive result, but it’s more of a stay of execution rather than something that will significantly extend coal generation. The coal-fired generation is going to go out of business in Australia over the next 10 years. Nearly everyone accepts that.”
The trial at Bayswater reflects a broader shift in the energy sector, where the concept of “baseload” power is becoming obsolete. With the rise of zero-marginal-cost wind and solar energy, flexibility is now more valuable than constant output.
Energy experts emphasise that this shift does not compromise grid reliability. Instead, it represents an adaptation to new market realities where renewable energy plays a dominant role.
While it’s early days for the two-shifting operation at Bayswater, the initial success has set the stage for further trials and potential implementation across other coal-fired stations during the transition period.
“While much remains to be evaluated from this first trial, we are ready to test again and continue learning as market conditions allow,” Mr McLachlan affirmed.
As Australia moves towards its renewable energy targets, innovations like Bayswater’s flexible coal generation may play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and stable transition.
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Written by: Newy Staff
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