AEMO has worked in partnership with key organisations to progress investigations, analysis, pilot projects, and proof-of-concept trials that support AEMO’s responsibilities to operate the NEM market and power system in the long-term interests of consumers.

AEMO and ARENA

AEMO and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in May 2017 to facilitate collaboration between the organisations in areas of mutual interest such as power system security and reliability.

Hornsdale Wind Farm 2 FCAS Trial

This report outlines the findings of a trial developed under the AEMO/ARENA MOU, focusing on the first NEM wind farm to be registered and to operate in both energy and ancillary services markets. The Hornsdale Wind Farm 2 (HWF2) trial is the first in-market technical demonstration of a wind or solar farm providing frequency control ancillary services (FCAS) in the NEM. It was undertaken by AEMO and ARENA in conjunction with NEOEN (owner and operator of the Hornsdale group of projects) and Siemens-Gamesa Australia (equipment provider for the Hornsdale group of wind farms).

As a result of the trial, HWF2 is the first Australian wind farm to be registered and offering FCAS in the NEM. The full report is available here:

• Hornsdale Wind Farm 2 FCAS Trial (2.2 MB, pdf)

The detailed test plan used for initial on-site testing to support FCAS registration of HWF is available below:

• Hornsdale Wind Farm 2 FCAS Detailed Test Plan (728 KB, pdf)