A message from our CEO, Audrey Zibelman, on AEMO's Integrated System Plan.
The news article (‘Radical blueprint to slash emissions’, published 24 January 2018) references and mischaracterises AEMO’s Integrated System Plan consultation paper that was published in December 2017.
This consultation paper is an initial step towards AEMO delivering a strategic infrastructure development plan by mid-2018, based on sound engineering and economics, which will look to facilitate an orderly energy system transition to a lower carbon future under a range of scenarios.
AEMO is not making any comments around policy, but in fact, the analysis is part of a consultative process in our role as the independent system and market operator in working with stakeholders to identify the needs to operate the power system reliably and securely into the future.
The objective of AEMO’s work is to develop an integrated plan for the power system that assesses the need for future investment in transmission and generation and develops a range of options that can be discussed under a range of possible futures, including one of high emissions reduction or alternatives.
This important analysis is supported by the Independent Review into the Future Security of the NEM (Finkel Review), which outlined the need for an ‘integrated grid plan to facilitate the efficient development and connection of renewable energy zones across the National Electricity Market’.
National strategic planning of our power system is crucial to making smart, informed decisions in the best long-term interests of Australian energy consumers.
We continue to welcome submissions from industry on our consultation paper until 28 February 2018 with the hope that the consultative process will be as open and transparent as it should be, as we must all share the common goal of achieving affordable, reliable and secure power for Australian consumers.
We look forward to publishing the final report mid-year, and continuing to work closely with governments and industry to map the pathway for Australia’s energy future.
Audrey Zibelman
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
Australian Energy Market Operator