The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has warned that while useable energy sources will help the power grid this summer, gas energy supplies will need to be monitored closely during demand.
In AEMO’s briefing report, they found that forecasts indicate average to above-average temperatures for most of the country with above-average rainfall and possible flooding in parts of South Australia, Queensland, Victoria, and parts of Western Australia.
AEMO executive general manager of operations, Michael Gatt said months of preparation have been undertaken to support the reliability of Australia’s power systems over the summer period.
“Fuel storage levels are normal across the National Electricity Market (NEM). Gas supply levels need to be carefully managed if used to support peak electricity demand periods on the east coast, particularly in Victoria,” he said.
“Synchronous generation availability, coal, gas and hydro, is expected to be similar to previous summer periods, noting the return of Callide C in Queensland and some reduced capacity in NSW, TAS and SA, including the mothballing of Snuggery and Port Lincoln power stations.”
3,175 megawatts (MW) of new generation storage have been commissioned to full output in the NEM since September last year, with grid-scale solar (1,010MW) wind (940MW) and batteries (750MW) included.
A further 750MW of projects are on track to reach full capacity by November to provide further generation in peak times.
AEMO also prepared procedures during mild temperature sunny days with low demands for managing system load conditions. These could also occur primarily on weekends or public holidays when electricity usage is generally reduced.
To fill residual shortfalls identified for the upcoming summer, AEMO is tendering for up to 285MW of supplementary capacity, with contracts to take effect 1 December.
“We've had a strong response to the supplementary capacity tender, and once we have finished negotiating those contracts, AEMO will publish the amount procured,” Gatt said.
"Across Australia, AEMO has undertaken extensive preparation ahead of summer.
“However, risks remain and AEMO will continue to monitor the situation and take the necessary actions if required.”
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