A personal experience of spot-price paid solar injections
The recent demise of start-up retailer, Urth Energy (suspended from the market by the AEMO on 1st February) was an unfortunate development on this path of the energy transition.
February 2017
EnerNOC seems to have grossly under-represented the amount of Demand Response active in the NEM
The level of Demand Response currently active in Australia’s National Electricity Market is higher than some are estimating.
Question – in an interconnected electricity system (and market), when did it become acceptable to neglect a systems view?
Because of (technical and commercial) interconnectedness in the National Electricity Market, the possibility of unintended consequences should be kept in mind
Analytical Challenge – keeping an open mind to positions expressed by a broad range of people
“Incumbency” seems to have become a pejorative in the NEM
Small solar owners saved the NSW electricity market $888 million during heatwave
New South Wales recently experienced a severe heatwave, which saw parts of the state exceed 45°C. During this three day period, small solar PV (i.e. PV systems that are not registered as generators in the NEM), generated about 17 GWh of power.
How tight demand/supply situations can make solar forecasting important
NSW demand rose to a near-record high on Friday the 10th of February, and QLD soared to a new record demand on that Sunday, amidst an intense heatwave. While this heat-stressed our electricity markets and infrastructure, the nation’s rooftop solar PV systems were providing critical load reduction under plentiful sunshine.
Five fixes for the NEM
Load shedding in South Australia on Wednesday 8 February and successive ‘close shaves’ in NSW and Queensland as the heatwave spread north have exposed serious weaknesses in the national electricity market (NEM).
Interesting take, by battery maker Sonnen, on the “free energy” business model
Some brief thoughts on one innovative business model being introduced to the NEM incorporating batteries, demand response, and free energy
Key Events Timeline – NSW Friday 10 Feb 2017
A summary timeline of how last Friday’s “white knuckle ride” in NSW evolved, highlighting key events on the day.
Examining why Pelican Point didn’t bid full capacity into the NEM on Wednesday 8 February
Some thoughts by our guest author, about possible reasons why Engie did not bid full output of Pelican Point power station into AEMO on Wednesday 8th February (i.e. the time at which load shedding eventuated).
[4th Post] Large and rapid demand drop curtails demand bid for new record in Queensland
Final post for the day – a high demand level achieved, but not an all-time record.
[3rd post] The supply/demand situation in Queensland gets tighter
3rd update today as the supply/demand balance tightens, and a transmission outage adds a complexity
[Post 2] Later AEMO forecasts moderate demand forecasts slightly – but still looks to be massive
Demand forecast down slightly on this morning, but still looking like a record.
[Post 1] Early AEMO forecasts look towards new record electricity demand in Queensland today
AEMO early morning forecast pointing to a new record electricity demand late this afternoon.
[2nd post] Astonishing Queensland electricity demand – on a Sunday!
An astounding day with Queensland electricity demand on a Sunday – a new peak (according to Powerlink) or not quite (on Dispatch Target basis).
[1st post] AEMO forecasts near-record electricity demand in Queensland – late on a Sunday evening!
Looking forward to this evening, and what looks set to be a near all-time record for QLD demand (a remarkable outcome for a Sunday)
About solar panels (predominantly) facing north, not west
To clarify a quotation today in the Fairfax media about solar PV performance on heatwave Friday in NSW.
[Post 2] Demand climbs and smelter readies to close AGAIN
Unwanted demand response in NSW approaches, for the 2nd day in a row with scorching temperatures driving demand higher.
[Post 1] Not out of the woods yet in NSW on a super-hot Saturday
First (and perhaps only?) post on a super-hot Saturday in NSW
Demand in NSW soars but falls short of setting new record
With many stakeholders nervously looking on this afternoon, demand in NSW peaked at 14,108MW at 5:30pm AEDT.