A new collaboration between the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) was announced this morning by The Minister for Energy, Hon Angus Taylor MP.
A new collaboration between the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) was announced this morning by The Minister for Energy, Hon Angus Taylor MP.
This formal agreement between the government and the two organisations is aimed at ensuring the safe, secure and efficient operation of Australia's energy system and to manage the impact of weather and climate conditions on Australia’s energy demands.
Weather, and specifically extreme conditions, directly affect Australia's energy demands, so it is vital Australia's experts in both fields work together closely to manage the impacts. This strategic partnership will involve the sharing of weather and climate data to better inform both short and longer-term decisions about the efficient management of the domestic energy industry.
This measure builds on a program of work already underway which leverages the expertise of both agencies. Since March 2017, a senior Bureau meteorologist has assisted AEMO's control room to prepare for weather events, such as extreme heat, that can have an impact on electricity supply.
In addition, Bureau data is delivered to AEMO to support its operational decision-making. And Bureau scientists regularly provide briefings about anticipated climate conditions across Australia that could have an impact on energy supply and demand.
The collaboration will explore the potential to help the energy sector take advantage of enhanced solar and wind information, as well as analyse past climate data to help the sector make decisions about how to further develop Australia's energy infrastructure.
The AEMO 2018-19 Summer Readiness Plan forecast that Australia is facing a real risk this summer. The report highlights the plans and actions both AEMO and the industry have taken to prepare Australia’s power system for the summer ahead.
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