Barry Humfrey's Geraldton Explains Coal Shortage Crisis of Western Australia
Coals are undoubtedly one of the most beneficial resources to mankind. In the past, people used coals to cook, and as a source of warmth in the cold seasons. In modern times, coals are used as sources of energy. Countries like Australia, have effectively maximized coal to generate energy or electricity. However, this doesn’t guarantee a hundred percent energy generation. An example is the recent coal shortage that Western Australia (WA) is currently experiencing.
Many homes don’t have light because the energy-generating coal facility will close soon. Hence, poor families in WA will suffer more than rich families. This is why people like Barry Humfrey’s Geraldton who work for non-profit organizations have stepped up to help.
Barry and Mary Humfrey are Western Australian residents who are avid volunteers and operate non-profit organizations. They are fundraising professionals who have the skills necessary to head non-profit organizations.
Effect of Coal Shortage on the Energy Sector
In Western Australia, most especially in Perth, there is one main energy station that provides energy to the region. The station has generated so much power for WA. Unfortunately, the recent coal shortage has affected the amount of electricity the station generates. The station is not generating much electricity as before due to a lack of coal. Therefore, a decision has been made to shut down the station for 90 days. The energy sector in Australia has a body that monitors the generation and distribution of power. According to Barry and Mary Humfrey, the body said that the station had erstwhile provided 318 megawatts of power. Additionally, it solely generated 7% of coals used to power WA electricity for a year. But unfortunately, it will be forced to shut down shortly. What this means is that Barry Humfrey’s Geraldton town and other cities in WA will experience a power outage.
Western Australian Coal Supply
Meanwhile, Premier and Griffin, who mine coal, contributed coal to generate electricity in the southwestern part of WA. The rate of coal contributed in a year amounted to about thirty-five percent. Yet, despite their contributions, the recent coal shortages have made people question their reliability.
The question on people’s minds is how these miners will be able to provide coal during this coal scarcity. Their fears are not unfounded because Griffin and Premier Coal have already run into problems. And with their current situation, they no longer have the capability to supply energy to private power stations by even buying coal at higher prices.
As a result, the number of power stations, both private and government-owned, that generate electricity has reduced. Following the reduction of power generation, a power plant has revealed that it’ll stop its operations in 2027.
Another major station has announced that it will also close down in 2029.
What Are The Solutions To The Coal Shortage Problem?
A power plant in WA has plans to change from using coal to electricity. The firm will use battery-operated storage to support wind power generators and hydro pumps to generate electricity. The minister for energy has stated that this is a good move. This is because it has been challenging to get a constant supply of
coal to power stations. Therefore, there is a need for the government to ensure private providers of coal will continuously provide coal.
For this reason, the government is discussing with private sectors that manufacture coal. The government wants to find out how it can help companies facilitate the production of coal. The minister further said that the government hopes that the production of coal will continue for long periods. But if there are other alternatives to coal, the government will support such initiatives.
What the Collie Power Station Employees Have to Say about Coal Shortage
First Opinion
A representative of a major power station has announced that the station she represents is already off work. It will no longer function as a power station due to a lack of supply of coal. In the meantime, the company is yet to disclose how much stockpile of coal it has in its storage. Nor has it revealed if they have arranged a contract with coal suppliers. The non-disclosure of these details is due to the commercial sensitivity of this information. The representative is confident of her company’s ability to help the state in meeting the demand for power generation later.
Second Opinion
On the other hand, a representative from a rival company thinks otherwise. He has said that the state is at higher risk once his power station company shuts down. His reason is that his firm generates one of the highest power capacities in the state. So to him, the closure of such a firm means that the state will have more blackouts in summer. Moreover, the grids in the southwest of WA won’t have enough coal to power them. And with the heat wave that has been plaguing the country in recent summers, the state desperately needs electricity.
Conclusion
Considering everybody has different opinions, it is nevertheless a fact that the shortage of coal spells trouble for Western Australia. If the region experiences a heat wave like last year’s, many people will clamor for electricity. They would need electricity to power on their AC and fans to cool off from the heat. Furthermore, electricity is important to operate fridges and refrigerators to keep drinks cool during hot weather. “Therefore, the WA government has to step-up to find alternative means of energy supply,” says Barry Humfrey’s Geraldton.
Source: Western Australia is Experiencing Coal Shortages Which Can Cause Blackouts in the Region by Barry Humfrey’s Geraldton