AEMO has today released its first Transition Plan for System Security, an annual report focussed on maintaining power system security as the National Electricity Market (NEM) shifts towards lower emissions.
As a new obligation under the National Electricity Rules, this initiative complements AEMO’s existing system security obligations alongside those of transmission network service providers and market participants.
AEMO Group Manager - Future Energy Systems, Chris Davies, said that the ‘improving security frameworks for the energy transition’ rule change intends to build on existing system security frameworks to help AEMO plan for a secure transition to a low emissions power system.
“The Transition Plan for System Security presents AEMO’s plan for managing system security through the transition to a renewables-dominated system as the available sources of supporting technology continue to evolve,” Mr Davies said.
“As outlined in the report, this includes planning to accommodate large synchronous generator retirements and minimum system load events, when high rooftop solar contributions coincide with low demand from the grid.
“Complementing existing markets and obligations, the Transition Plan discusses new types of security services necessary for the energy transition, and the trialling of new technologies to keep the power system operating within defined technical limits,” he said.
AEMO recently released a Transitional Services Guideline for consultation to develop a procurement approach for these new system security services that cannot be provided through existing frameworks.
Mr Davies added that as the system evolves towards increasing contributions from renewables, additional collaborative planning is required to maintain power system security.
“With renewables already supplying up to 75% of demand at times, and one-third of today’s coal, gas, and diesel plants set to retire within the next decade, collaborative planning is more important than ever,” Mr. Davies added.
“Our focus is on delivering the lowest-cost, secure electricity supply to benefit all stakeholders, particularly consumers,” he said.
Supporting AEMO’s role in maintaining system security in the NEM, AEMO has also published its annual reports on the system needs for system strength, inertia, and Network Support and Control Ancillary Services (NSCAS), triggering transmission network service providers to procure solutions to address any gaps. AEMO has also published a report on Supporting secure operation with high levels of distributed resources.
Moving forward, the transition plan will be updated annually, incorporating stakeholder feedback and learnings from the evolving power system.
AEMO is hosting a report webinar on Tuesday 10 December 2024 from 11am till 12pm (AEDT) to present an overview.
AEMO encourages stakeholders to provide input on this inaugural report by 1 March 2025 to help shape future editions. Interested parties are encouraged to register for updates via futureenergy@aemo.com.au.
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