Spring 2015 in the NEM
A collection of articles, as we post them, about what’s been happening through spring 2015 in the NEM
2015
Yin and Yang of Wind in the South Australian region of the National Electricity Market
A sped-up animation covering spanning a September 2015 weekend in the South Australian region of the NEM, illustrating both sides of the wind farm output coin.
A further look at the idiosyncrasies of wind in South Australia
Some further analysis of different aspects of wind farm output in South Australia
Pitfalls of Demand Management for the Domestic Electricity Consumer
Some thoughts by a new guest author about different tariff options for delivering demand management for residential electricity customers – and the relative benefits of each for the network.
Seeking to understand the great Network Debate
Sitting on the outside, looking in, this article sums up what seems to be the main areas of contention in the great Network Debate that’s been running the past couple years.
Why large energy users are concerned about last week’s machinations in South Australia
Pondering more implications of the boom/bust pricing witnessed in the South Australian region last week…
Waxing and Waning of Wind this Week
Through the week we’ve seen new highs for wind production (NEM-wide) and also some low levels of production, as well – mirroring the political debate. The challenge has serious implications, however, and the AEMO sessions mentioned might be one way to learn more.
Know of a talented young electricity-sector engineer (a future international Cornwall scholar)?
The University of Queensland has called for applicants for the next round of the E.S.Cornwall Memorial scholarship (closes Friday 31st July).
A great opportunity for a young engineer to gain international experience at this time of change.
The RET Joyride
Yesterday evening the revised RET legislation passed the upper house. Today guest author (Miles Prosser) provides recollections of the twists and turns in the policy landscape of Australia’s Renewable Energy Target over the course of the past 10 years.
Northern Power Station becomes the next domino to fall
Following today’s announcement of the closure of Alinta’s Northern Power Station in South Australia
Even the liquid-fuelled plant get a run in SA this evening with Northern offline, demand higher, and wind waning
Some quick notes Tuesday evening about liquid-fuelled peaking generators getting a run in a South Australian region that’s missing Northern station (amongst other factors)
The Nyngan Solar Plant reaches full output
A quick look at how the Nyngan solar plant stepped up its output over the weekend, reaching full load.
Is the real issue related to 5 minute dispatch and 30 minute settlement?
Some thoughts from another guest author, Greg Denton, about the current rule change proposal “Bidding in Good Faith” being assessed by the AEMC.
Winter 2015 in the NEM
Collecting together posts about winter 2015
Early winter chills power Tassie demand
A quick look at how the early winter chills are driving demand in Tasmania to levels not seen for 4 years
Recapping Australia’s SolarCoaster Ride
Nigel Morris talks through his recent presentation at the EUAA forum in Brisbane about the ups and downs of Australia’s “solarcoaster” ride
Wind in South Australia contributes to LOR2 warnings
Windy conditions persist – and bring with them their own challenges for the AEMO in managing the security of the system
(PS wind contributes to, but there are other factors discussed in the post)
Aggregate wind farm output tops 3,200MW in the middle of the night
Looks like wind output, aggregated across the NEM, hit a new record in output overnight.
What are, and will be, business niches for aggregators?
Following an invitation to speak at a QUT Energy Forum last week, here are some thoughts about some business niches for aggregators.
Metered Generation data feed for Royalla Solar commences (6 months after plant opening)
Royalla solar farm (opened 6 months ago) now has metered generation data published by AEMO – here’s the first view.