Demand sites join big batteries in making most of new FCAS markets
Big batteries now dominate the provision of the frequency control ancillary services required to maintain power system security in Australia’s main grid but demand side services company Viotas says there is room for more players in the increasingly lucrative market.
Energy transition speeds up as rooftop PV records tumble
Australia’s rooftop solar sector continues to shine bright with new data from the Australian Energy Market Operator revealing that distributed PV output across the main grid reached a record high in the final quarter of 2023.
Investor group warns of revenue risk for solar farms
The Clean Energy Investor Group has warned that solar farms in southwest New South Wales and northwest Victoria could suffer from “large and unpredictable” swings in revenues because of material changes in marginal loss factors.
GenCost confirms solar, wind remain cheapest forms of energy
The latest estimates of electricity generation costs in Australia reveal that solar and wind power remain the cheapest form of energy, even after the expense of integrating them into the grid is factored in.
AEMO calls for urgent action in updated energy plan
Australia’s independent energy markets and power systems operator has warned urgent investment in generation, firming and transmission is needed with forecasts showing the National Electricity Market needs to almost triple its installed capacity in less than 30 years.
Grid connection applications climb as AEMO points to ‘major influx’
A “major influx” of new renewable generation and storage capacity is poised to connect to Australia’s main grid with the energy market operator revealing almost 150 projects representing more than 31 GW of new capacity are in the application and pre-registration stages.
AEMO confident renewables can counter extreme demand
Amid predictions Australia’s energy system faces a summer of extreme demand, the market operator has forecast that renewables, including 2 GW of generation capacity from new wind and solar projects, will counter the risk of power outages.
Renewables surge to record share in NEM
The share of renewables in Australia’s main electricity grid has reached a new high, with rooftop and grid-scale solar, wind and hydro combining to deliver more than 70% of the total underlying demand on Wednesday.
Warnings over grid reliability really about building more transmission lines
“To ensure Australian consumers continue to have access to reliable electricity supplies, it’s critical that planned investments in transmission, generation and storage projects are urgently delivered.”
AEMO backs 248 GW pipeline to counter reliability challenges
The Australian Energy Market Operator says a 248 GW pipeline of proposed generation and storage projects, transmission developments and government energy programs have the potential to address many of the risks outlined in its latest market forecast – if they are delivered to schedule.
