South Australian blackout: Josh Frydenberg says renewable energy not to blame

Josh Frydenberg says a full inquiry into what
 caused South Australia’s statewide blackout
was needed and would be the subject
of discussions at a Council
of Australian Governments meeting.

Early inquiries into South Australia’s blackout say it was not caused or exacerbated by the state’s dependency on renewable energy, the federal energy minister, Josh Frydenberg, has said, calling for a “real debate” on the issue regardless.

Extreme weather in South Australia has included widespread flooding and a severe storm last week saw more than 20 power pylons destroyed and electricity knocked out for the entire state. More rain and possible thunderstorms have been forecast.

In the immediate aftermath of the blackout a number of politicians and commentators sought to connect it with South Australia’s 41% reliance on renewable energy, despite a lack of any evidence to suggest a link.

Read Helen Davidson’s story in The Guardian - “South Australian blackout: Josh Frydenberg says renewable energy not to blame.”