In the last month, power shortages caused by a lack of dispatchable energy have forced New South Wales (NSW) Tomago Aluminium smelter to halt operations on several occasions. The smelter is one of Australasia’s largest, contributing $1.5 (US$1.2) billion per year to the Australian economy and producing 25 percent of Australia’s primary aluminium. Tomago was forced to power down several times after a lack of energy capacity saw prices skyrocket and, according to Australian Energy Market Operator data, reached a peak of over $7,650 (US$5,940) per megawatt hour so far this month. This is a staggering 18,000% increase over the median price of around $42. Tomago chief executive Matt Howell told The Daily Telegraph that they were forced to repeatedly power down because they couldn’t afford the price. Howell attributed the spiking energy prices to a lack of reliable supply when the grid relied heavily on renewable energy. “No one disputes …