> And how exactly would adding more of the most expensive way to generate power help reduce costs?
Yes, the Australian GenCost report is about generation costs (no mention of transmission or storage in that graphic, for instance).
The https://www.electricitybills.uk breakdown shows that the cost to the consumer consists of far more than just the cost of generating electricity.
Intermittents generally connect to the distribution network (given their smaller output).
Intermittents necessitate transmission upgrades because wind farms are in a different location to people and require overbuilding of capacity.
Intermittents require more balancing because a passing cloud or lull in the wind affects their output.
Intermittents require capacity payments for the backup (methane) generators that have to keep on standby.
Plus let us not forget that the intermittent generators get revenue from RO, CfD, and FIT.
Yes, the Australian GenCost report is about generation costs (no mention of transmission or storage in that graphic, for instance).
The https://www.electricitybills.uk breakdown shows that the cost to the consumer consists of far more than just the cost of generating electricity. Intermittents generally connect to the distribution network (given their smaller output). Intermittents necessitate transmission upgrades because wind farms are in a different location to people and require overbuilding of capacity. Intermittents require more balancing because a passing cloud or lull in the wind affects their output. Intermittents require capacity payments for the backup (methane) generators that have to keep on standby.
Plus let us not forget that the intermittent generators get revenue from RO, CfD, and FIT.