Summary
Security of Supply
National hydro storage remained stable this week at 126% of average for the time of year. Although as a percentage of full, increased by two percent to 84% of total full. This was the result of some periods of above average rainfall in the South Island and follows continued high utilisation of hydro generation.
North Island storage decreased by three percentage points to 121% of average, while South Island storage remained steady at 127% of average.
Heavy rainfall over catchment areas over the weekend is expected to further increase hydro storage next week.
Tekapo continues to spill as storage remains above its current maximum operating range. However, due to an ongoing outage this output remains at approximately half of its usual maximum capacity.
Weekly Demand
National weekly demand was 731 GWh, a decrease of 7 GWh (one percent) on the previous week.
This week's national demand peak was 5,145 MW and occurred at 8.00am on Thursday 2 December.
Generation Mix
Total generation was 766 GWh this week, with hydro making up 65%, and thermal just 7.6% of the mix. Wind generation comprised 5.3% of the mix (a small decrease on last week).
For two periods this week there was no thermal generation contributing to New Zealand's grid (excepting co-gen). Overall, thermal generation throughout November and December so far has been the lowest seen this year.
Huntly's Rankine units have not run since 23 November 2021. Given these are the only units in New Zealand that can run on coal, no coal has been used for generation for two weeks.
Weekly Prices
The average price at Haywards continues to reflect our high hydro storage position at $86/MWh, down 2% from $88/MWh last week.
Prices at Haywards peaked at $146/MWh at 11.00am on Thursday 2 December during a period of low wind generation.
Low price separation was seen throughout the week.
HVDC
HVDC transfer has remained Northward throughout the week.
Fact of the Week
The word 'energy' is derived from the Greek 'energeia' which dates back to 384 BC. This roughly translates to "state of being at work".
|
|
