State of the System update

Welcome to AEMO’s State of the System update, a round-up of developments, emerging issues and upcoming consultation opportunities relating to the National Electricity Market (NEM).

As always, we welcome feedback via stakeholderrelations@aemo.com.au or through our survey and encourage anyone who is interested in receiving future updates to subscribe.

Submissions on Draft 2022 Integrated System Plan (ISP) available

AEMO is very pleased and extremely grateful to have received 80 submissions on the Draft 2022 ISP from a broad range of stakeholders. All submissions, including the ISP Consumer Panel’s, as well as all Draft 2022 ISP consultation materials, are available here.

Earlier this year, AEMO held two public forums as part of consultation on the Draft 2022 ISP. The public launch briefing presentation and recording are available on AEMO’s website, as are the presentation and recording for the Pre-submission Q&A Forum.

AEMO continues to consider submissions and finalise the 2022 ISP, which will be published by 30 June 2022.

NEM Engineering Framework prioritisation begins

Following publication of the Engineering Framework - Initial Roadmap in December 2021, AEMO has commenced a process of prioritising actions and next steps to support an orderly transition of the NEM.

A stakeholder forum was held on 3 February 2022 to provide stakeholders with an overview of the Initial Roadmap (presentation), and an opportunity for Q&A about the report’s content and next steps.

Stakeholders on the Engineering Framework mailing list were invited to participate in a survey regarding the prioritisation principles proposed by AEMO in the Initial Roadmap report, which will be used to guide decision making on priority next steps. AEMO has taken on some great suggestions on how to refine the principles and would like to thank all those stakeholders who took the time to respond to the survey.

The Engineering Framework needs to strike a balance between developing a comprehensive forward plan and ensuring timely progress on actions. In the interest of time, the next stage of the Engineering Framework (Feb – Apr 2022) will focus on developing priority actions for the near-term, including:

• An initial shortlist of actions AEMO intends to pursue over the next 1 - 2 years.
• Priority gaps and actions where industry collaboration and leadership may be valuable.
• Refining the proposed industry priorities through targeted stakeholder discussions.

To receive dedicated updates on the Engineering Framework, including upcoming engagement opportunities, or for any other Engineering Framework matters, please reach out to the team at FutureEnergy@aemo.com.au.

NEM Connections Update

Since mid-December 2021, five new generators achieved registration and one existing generator registered an expansion of capacity, coming to a combined total of 764 MW. One generator completed commissioning and is now in full operation. These projects are:

• Hunter Economic Zone Power Station, NSW, 28 MW
• Snapper Point Power Station, SA, 150 MW
• Murray Bridge Onkaparinga Pumping Station 2 Solar Farm, SA, 10 MW
• Blue Grass Solar Farm, QLD, 148 MW
• Murra Warra Wind Farm Stage 2, VIC, 203 MW
• Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Units 135-149, VIC, 225 MW

Completed commissioning and commenced full operation:

• Sunraysia Solar Farm, NSW, 200 MW

West Murray Zone Update

AEMO continues to work closely with Network Service Providers (NSPs) on the integration assessment for projects in the West Murray Zone (WMZ). Three projects are undergoing WMZ integration and a further seven projects in the WMZ have commenced Stage 1 Due Diligence review and are expected to commence WMZ integration in the coming months.

Connecting projects within the WMZ remains very challenging in terms of capacity. AEMO's National Connections team remains committed to working with all NSPs and developers to progress projects, but it is critical for developers at every stage to keep in regular contact with the relevant NSP and inform themselves of all potential impacts of WMZ congestion on their project.

If you are planning to move forward with your project, please work closely with your NSP and complete all the requirements outlined in AEMO’s Connecting generators in the West Murray Zone – sequencing uncommitted projects.

If you are unsure if your project is in the WMZ, please see the WMZ map on the AEMO website here or alternatively, please contact your connecting NSP.

SA Synchronous Condensers

To fill the declared system strength gap in South Australia, ElectraNet commissioned four large synchronous condensers, two at Davenport and two at Robertstown. All four synchronous condensers have been in operation since 25 November 2021. The existing limit advice required a minimum of two synchronous generators to be online at all times.

On 2 March 2022, AEMO held an industry brief on the SA synchronous generator requirements, where AEMO provided an update and laid out the plan to review synchronous generator requirements. The majority of AEMO-driven studies are expected to be completed by mid-2022. Following the completion of these studies, the plan for next steps will be communicated with the industry.

Further details and the presentation from the industry briefing are available on our website.

QLD-NSW Interconnector (QNI) Upgrade

Upgrading the Queensland-NSW Interconnector (QNI) was identified as a priority by both AEMO in the 2020 ISP and by the NSW Government in the NSW Transmission Infrastructure Strategy. Boosting interstate transmission capacity and increasing power flow on existing lines will make it easier and more efficient to share power generation across the NEM, helping improve reliability and put downward pressure on market prices.

Following AEMO’s previous update, COVID impacts have resulted in delays to the project, with commissioning of Static Var Compensators (SVCs) now expected to be completed in June 2022 and inter-network testing to commence soon after.

Consultation on the draft test plan has concluded, and AEMO will publish a final test plan prior to commencement of tests.

For more info, see the Transgrid website.

Operations Technology Roadmap

AEMO has partnered with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) to commence the development of an Operations Technology Roadmap (OTR).

The OTR, in coordination with with the Engineering Framework and the Enterprise Future State Architecture Roadmap, aims to enable AEMO to uplift operational capability to facilitate the renewable energy transition. Its purpose is to identify what is required to uplift our systems and ensure we are ready to operate the "control rooms of the future".

If you want to find out more, email Stakeholder Relations.

Western Victoria Transmission Network Project proposed route identified

In late 2021, AusNet Services identified the proposed route for the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project (WVTNP). The proposed route and alternatives were informed by community and stakeholder feedback, combined with the findings of technical studies, field surveys and investigations.

AusNet Services is currently preparing the Environment Effects Statement for the project. This is a complex project which will be developed over several years with ongoing engagement with landholders, communities, industry and government. The project requires detailed technical investigations, planning and approvals before construction may commence.

For more information visit westvictnp.com.au.

AEMO transition to PSCAD V5

AEMO is in the process of uplifting its PSCAD modelling capability, including the transition from PSCAD V4 to PSCAD V5 and adopting the latest Intel Fortran Compiler Classic 2022.x.

New capability will allow AEMO to improve its modelling in several key areas, resolve important obsolescence issues and enable continued operation of the NEM-wide network model for the foreseeable future. Some of the benefits associated with this transition include improved modelling performance, efficiency and cost, reduced simulation time and improved IT supportability.

Following the publication of AEMO's fact sheet in December 2021, AEMO held a stakeholder Q&A session with industry on the 9 February 2022. The purpose of this session was to provide stakeholders with the context and timeline, a high-level overview of the key considerations and what the transition will mean for industry. This session also provided stakeholders with an opportunity to ask clarifying questions on the transition.

AEMO also sought feedback from stakeholders on its proposed timeline to transition to PSCAD V5 by 1 July 2022, after which participants will only need to supply a PSCAD V5 model. Stakeholders largely agreed with this timeline. Further information about this transition is available in AEMO's recently published fact sheet.

Stakeholders requiring any further information or queries relating to this transition can reach out to the team at nem.connections@aemo.com.au.

April course enrolments now open: Connecting & Registering Generators in the NEM

April enrolments are now open for AEMO’s 3-part course, Connecting & Registering Generators in the NEM: An Overview. This is an expert instructor-led course for individuals and organisations directly involved in connecting and registering generators in the NEM.

Held over three sessions, our subject matter experts explore key connections and registrations processes in the context of the energy transition and the current regulatory environment. Sessions 1 and 2 provide an overview of the state of the system, including key risks and considerations and ongoing compliance requirements, and document success tips and relevant resources to help participants to navigate the process. Session 3 provides practical insights into the common challenges encountered by proponents in establishing or modifying a connection to the Victorian transmission network, exploring case studies from connection projects across different technologies via an interactive Q&A format.

This course will be delivered live online over Microsoft Teams. The first session is scheduled for the week commencing 4 April 2022 – see calendar below.

Pricing: $1,250 (plus GST) to attend Sessions 1 & 2 only, $1,750 (plus GST) to attend the complete 3-part series.

For more information or to enrol, visit the AEMO Energy Education courses webpage or contact energyeducation@aemo.com.au.

Please note, Session 3 is also available as a stand-alone course for participants who have completed sessions 1 & 2 previously.

Enrolments are also open for AEMO’s Network and Frequency Control Ancillary Service Constraints in the NEM course kicking off in May. This expanded technical course explores the network characteristics that determine constraints, how constraints are derived and formulated, and their effects on dispatch outcomes. For information on this and other upcoming courses, click the links provided in the calendar below or visit the AEMO Energy Education courses webpage.

Keeping across AEMO’s events and meetings

Engaging our stakeholders is a key priority in our corporate plan. We aim to be a trusted partner through collaborative engagement and enhanced transparency. One way we strive to do this is through our wide range of engagement events and forums.

To keep up to date on all the activities we are holding check out our Industry Meetings Calendar to see which meetings might be relevant for you. If you are interested in attending a meeting, click the meeting to find email address you can direct your enquiries to.

Useful resources

To follow the latest news and updates from AEMO you can subscribe to a number of our newsletters on our subscribe page, or check out our newsroom.  

Latest publications:

1. Quarterly Energy Dynamics - Q4 2021
2. AEMO response to Eraring Power Station closure
3. Industry Meetings Calendar

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