Year 9 Science · Unit 3 · Lesson 16
Apply Worksheet
Learning Goals
Order the steps
Number the events from 1 to 8 to show the correct order of Australia's electricity journey from source to socket. Event 1 = what happens first.
| Order | Event |
|---|---|
| Step-down transformers reduce voltage for safe use in homes and businesses | |
| Surplus electricity is stored in batteries or pumped hydro during low-demand periods | |
| AEMO balances supply and demand across the NEM in real time | |
| Solar panels or wind turbines convert renewable energy into electricity | |
| High-voltage transmission lines carry electricity across hundreds of kilometres | |
| Step-up transformers increase voltage to reduce energy losses during transmission | |
| Stored energy is released to meet evening peak demand | |
| Appliances in homes convert electrical energy into light, heat or motion |
Real-world context
In October 2022, South Australia briefly ran on 100% renewable electricity, a milestone for Australia. The state's electricity mix included large-scale solar farms, wind turbines, rooftop solar, and the Hornsdale Power Reserve battery. Grid stability was maintained through a combination of fast-responding battery storage and interconnectors linking SA to Victoria. However, this 100% renewable period lasted only a few hours.
(a) Which energy sources made SA's 100% renewable moment possible? Name at least THREE and briefly describe what each contributes. Sentence starter: "The sources that made this possible were…"
(b) How was grid stability maintained during this period? Sentence starter: "Grid stability was maintained by…"
(c) What would need to change for SA to sustain 100% renewable electricity 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Sentence starter: "To sustain this 24/7, SA would need…"
Wrap Up
In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?