Renewables plus batteries offer Australia the same energy security as coal, research finds

Australia Institute calls for rule change to allow renewables to replace fossil fuels in underpinning grid reliability

Renewable energy and batteries can secure Australia's electricity grid as effectively as coal and gas, new research suggests.

The research, commissioned by the Australia Institute thinktank and released on Monday, found clean technologies provided the fast frequency response service and voltage control needed to secure the energy grid and reduce cost. But the report says regulatory barriers currently limit the ability of renewable energy and batteries to provide system security.