Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has published its Engineering Roadmap to 100% Renewables report, providing an overview of the engineering challenges and actions needed to operate Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM) solely on renewable generation.
Building on previous stakeholder consultation and Engineering Framework publications, the roadmap supports industry discussion and prioritised investment as the renewable resource potential in the NEM increases to meet 100% of demand as early as 2025.
Related article: AEMO forecasts serious reliability gaps in new report
AEMO CEO Daniel Westerman said, “Australia is transitioning from a historic dependency on coal generation to higher levels of renewable energy, supported by firming technologies, like pumped hydro, batteries and gas generation, and transmission developments to share low-cost sources of energy to our towns and cities.”
“Complementing these investments is the shared responsibility to also re-engineer the power system to run reliably and securely on higher levels of renewable energy.
“Being ready to operate the power system with high penetration levels of renewables is critical to ensure a smooth energy transition, meet Australia’s emission reduction commitments and ensure reliable, secure and affordable energy for consumers into the future,” he said.
While this report is focused on the NEM, learnings are being applied to Western Australia’s South West Interconnected System (SWIS) and Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM).
The ‘roadmap’ is divided into three broad technical themes—power system security, system operability and resource adequacy—with associated preconditions and actions to operate NEM for periods of up to 100% renewable generation.
“The roadmap provides a clear view of the urgent engineering and operational steps required to be ready to leverage the benefits of high renewable generation levels,” Westerman said.
This includes investigating new sources of firming capacity, system restoration, and system strength services, including energy storage. Initial analysis indicates the equivalent of up to 40 large synchronous condensers may be needed for 100% renewable penetration, potentially provided by a range of technologies.
“Importantly, further work will be needed to ensure that any investment decisions to deliver the engineering requirements are made in the long term interests of consumers, and underpinned by efficient regulatory and market solutions,” he said.
AEMO has also published its latest assessment of system security needs across the NEM, evaluating what is needed to ensure power system security as the power system transitions to a greater reliance on firmed renewables.
Related article: AEMO highlights urgency for renewables, diversified firming
The system strength, inertia and Network Support and Control Ancillary Services (NSCAS) reports flag existing and emerging shortfalls, gaps and requirements.
For the first time, these reports also include an assessment of system requirements at times of 100% renewable generation.
