The AEMC today made a final rule requiring generators and networks to provide more detailed information about how their equipment performs to help AEMO manage the changing power system. This model data must also be made available to network businesses to help them maintain system strength.
The exit of large thermal synchronous generation, together with an increasing proportion of renewable generation like wind and solar, has contributed to a decrease in system strength in some areas of the power system. A reduction in system strength may mean that some generators are no longer able to meet technical standards and may be unable to remain connected to the system at certain times. It may also lead to voltage instability and a reduction in the effectiveness of the protection systems used by network businesses, generators and large customers.
The final rule is designed to provide AEMO and, where relevant, network service providers, with the more detailed information necessary to accurately model how the power system will operate as the market transforms. It also allows AEMO to request data to assess if remedial action is needed for system strength.
The main aspects of the final rule are to:
- make model data available to AEMO and network service providers to help meet system strength requirements
- clarify which parties must provide this model data to AEMO and in what circumstances
- allow model data to be made available to other parties, such as new connecting generators, so they can assess how their plant may impact on system strength and therefore undertake measures to meet generator performance standards.
Under the final rule, AEMO will develop guidelines setting out the technical and operational details of the modelling data and the specific circumstances when that data is required.
The final rule also sets out principles that AEMO must consider when developing the guidelines, including the costs faced by participants in providing model data and the protection of confidential model information.
This rule change is part of the AEMC’s broader package of system security work which includes a range of measures to help AEMO and networks manage a transforming power system with reduced inertia and system strength.
Media: Prudence Anderson, Communications Director, 0404 821 935 or DL (02) 8296 7817.
Explainer
A package of final rules was released today to deliver a stronger, more stable power system:
- Generating system model guidelines – requiring generators and networks to provide more detailed information about how their equipment performs so AEMO and networks have the right data to efficiently plan and operate the system
- Managing power system fault levels – keeping the system stable by making networks provide minimum levels of system strength at key locations, and requiring new generators to pay for remedial action if they impact system stability
- Managing the rate of change of power system frequency – enabling better frequency control by making networks provide minimum levels of inertia and, with AEMO approval, enabling networks to contract with suppliers to provide inertia substitutes like fast frequency response services from emerging technologies like batteries .