Innovative technology and solutions, evolving regulation, and unprecedented levels of sector collaboration will be essential if Australia is to achieve its clean energy transition and keep costs as low as possible for consumers, according to a new report released by network operator Transgrid.
Transgrid CEO Brett Redman said, “Forecasts in our Transmission Annual Planning Report (TAPR) 2024, predict steadily increased annual growth in demand for electricity across NSW over the next decade. However, the overall picture masks considerable volatility in power flows, increases in peak demand driven by electrification, industrial and data centre demand, and a steep downward trajectory for minimum demand supplied from the grid. That means, we need to build a far larger and more complex grid than Australia has ever seen.”
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The 10-year forecasts from TAPR 2024 demonstrate the challenges posed by an electrifying economy along with a decarbonising grid and the need for governments, regulators and industry to be agile to adjust to the new realities of a much larger and more complex network.
“Building this grid will only be possible with close and ongoing collaboration between many different government and industry entities,” Redman said.
“Everyone is aware of the need to progress priority transmission projects urgently to deliver the necessary high-voltage backbone through NSW to significantly increase transfer capacity within NSW and with the eastern states. However, we also need evolving regulation to support the broader realities of the energy transition, including the critical task of maintaining a strong heartbeat for the system throughout and following the transition.
“Transgrid is looking at innovative, faster and lower cost technologies and ‘non-network solutions’, such as energy storage systems, that help us minimise the need for additional poles and wires. We have asked for some regulatory rule changes that would allow us to make more and better use of these non-network solutions, which would also help keep costs as low as possible for consumers.”
TAPR 2024 also highlights the need for investment in sophisticated operational tools to manage a larger and more complex network.
“To visualise what’s happening in the network and make rapid, accurate decisions, our operators in the control room need digital support—increased data, new technologies and proactive forecasting. They also need investment in continuous professional development and training facilities to prepare them to operate a very different and highly complex grid,” Redman said.
“Transgrid is applying for the necessary investment in systems, data and process improvements to ensure we can continue to operate the future network safely and reliably. We hope to be supported in starting a range of projects to uplift operability in 2025.”
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At the core of each TAPR are the major transmission projects that will form the backbone of the new grid.
“As we plan these projects, our priority is to keep costs for consumers as low as possible, including finding the lowest price pathway to deliver the infrastructure required to support a stable and reliable renewable grid,” Redman said.
“We are actively engaging with communities to understand their expectations and deliver outcomes that are respectful of their needs and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the communities accommodating the infrastructure.”
