Consultation timeline
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Issues Paper published2nd Dec 2022
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Submissions due on Issues Paper10th Feb 2023
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Draft report published, including draft PSMG14th Apr 2023
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Submissions due on Draft Report19th May 2023
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Final Report published, including final PSMG14th Jul 2023
Key contact details
Email: PSMGReview@aemo.com.au
Overview
AEMO is consulting on the Power System Model Guidelines (PSMG) in accordance with clauses S5.57 and the Rules consultation process in rule 8.9 of the NER.
Background
Under NER S5.5.7, AEMO publishes the Power System Model Guidelines, the Power System Design Data Sheet, and the Power System Setting Data Sheet. These documents specify, in relation to power systems, control systems and plant technologies, the data and other requirements of participants under NER S5.5.7 and the rules listed in that clause.
The Power System Modelling Reference Group (PSMRG) has identified two critical issues that have recently emerged due to the changing nature of the National Electricity Market (NEM) that are not covered by these documents and that require amendment:
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The first issue is that the wording is specific to “generation” and there is no specification for modelling of loads. Traditionally, large industrial loads have been modelled by AEMO with simple mathematical models. However, AEMO and network service providers (NSPs) have now started receiving connection applications from very large, power-electronic interfaced loads, the two primary examples being data centres and hydrogen electrolysers. The large size of these loads and declining system strength means there could be material impact to power system security, and as such the existing approach will no longer be adequate to enable AEMO to accurately model these impacts. AEMO proposes to amend the documents so that they will also apply to loads. (Note this does not include modelling of distributed energy resources (DER), which is covered through a separate workstream at AEMO.)
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The second issue is that Electromagnetic Transient (EMT) simulations are becoming widely adopted due to the use of “real code” models – models of control systems that use the exact same code in simulation as in real operation. There is currently no standard in the documents for the provision of these models and there is therefore a risk of provided models becoming obsolete or otherwise incompatible with software used by AEMO. AEMO proposes to introduce a standard for compatibility and a requirement for accompanying documentation.
Several other minor updates have also been proposed in this document, to be discussed through consultation.
Documents
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First Stage
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Second Stage
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Final
Draft determination and reports will be published here
Stakeholder meetings
Draft determination and reports will be published here
Stakeholder meetings
Final determination and reports will be published here
Submissions
Submissions are now closed.
Connections Reform Initiative (CRI)
In early 2021, AEMO and the Clean Energy Council (CEC) established the Connections Reform Initiative (CRI) to address concerns with delays and increasing complexity in connections to the National Electricity Market (NEM). The CRI has since brought together a broad range of stakeholders to work on a range of solutions that address the systemic concerns involving all parties in the connection process. More details on the CRI can be found on AEMO’s website: AEMO | Connections Reform Initiative.
Workstreams relevant to the PSMG include:
- Guidance on use of RMS and EMT Tools - To provide clearer guidance on when to assess plant performance using EMT vs. RMS tools (i.e. PSCAD vs PSS®E) to avoid unnecessary work and accelerate connections process.
- OEM Data and Modelling – To explore opportunities to improve the information fidelity and quality of data and models provided by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
AEMO is also progressing a review of the technical requirements for connections, as required under NER clause 5.2.6.A. The review will include the technical requirements for connection in NER Schedules 5.2 (Generators), 5.3 (Loads) and 5.3a (MNSPs). An Approach paper was published by AEMO on 12 October 2022, and this will be followed by a Draft Report for consultation targeted for release in April 2023. More details on the review can be found on AEMO’s website: AEMO | AEMO review of technical requirements for connection (NER clause 5.2.6A)
For more information on the CRI or review of the technical requirements for connections, please contact the AEMO Onboarding & Connections team on contact.connections@aemo.com.au.