The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has published a technical white paper exploring future primary frequency response (PFR) requirements in the National Electricity Market (NEM).
The paper examines the role of PFR within the frequency control chain, establishes the technical characteristics of effective PFR, and outlines how this can be maintained as the power system continues to transition into the future.
PFR is the first stage of an integrated chain of actions to manage power system frequency and consequently affects the ongoing operation of connected equipment and the security, reliability and cost of electricity supply to consumers. Click here for our frequency fact sheet.
AEMO Manager of Future Energy Systems, Chris Davies, said that the technical white paper is a key milestone of AEMO’s Frequency Control Work Plan, which is part of AEMO’s Engineering Framework.
“This paper contributes to the ongoing body of work underway to explore and plan for the changing needs of the power system,” Mr Davies said.
“Effective PFR will become ever more critical as the energy supply-mix transitions towards being increasingly variable, decentralised and inverter-based,” he said.
It also informs the Australian Energy Market Commission’s (AEMCs) Primary frequency response incentive arrangements rule change consultation, which is considering enduring pathways for PFR following the completion of the currently ongoing three-year mandatory PFR period in June 2023. For more information on the mandatory PFR implementation program please see our dedicated webpage here.
AEMO has also published two September updates, reporting more broadly on the progress of work underway as part of the Engineering Framework to facilitate this transition, including:
- The Frequency Control Work Plan Update: the work plan was published in September 2020 and focuses on ensuring reliable frequency in the NEM. The current update includes progress updates on each task and also identifies sub-tasks which better reflect requirements for task completion.
- The Renewable Integration Study (RIS) Action Update: includes updates on actions from the RIS released in April 2020. Progress has been made on all 15 actions outlined in the RIS report, with nine already completed and a further 2 almost complete.
“These updates highlight the substantial accomplishments made across industry to continue to operate the evolving NEM power system securely and efficiently,” Mr Davies said.
The Engineering Framework is a toolkit to define the full range of operational, technical, and engineering requirements needed to deliver the futures envisaged by the Integrated System Plan (ISP), and guide the technical outcomes required from the Energy Security Board and AEMC NEM reforms.
The Engineering Framework in currently focused on identifying gaps in the energy transition. Following a series of targeted discussions with stakeholders, AEMO is now preparing for an open stakeholder consultation session.
Please register your interest to attend an industry workshop 22 October 2021 by contacting FutureEnergy@aemo.com.au. The outputs of this session will be used to develop an initial action roadmap, which will be published for consultation in December.