Summer 2015-16 in the NEM
Articles posted, relating to summer 2015-16 in the NEM
Articles by Paul McArdle
One of three founders of Global-Roam back in 2000, Paul has been CEO of the company since that time.
As an author on WattClarity, Paul's focus has been to help make the electricity market more understandable.
It wasn’t the horse race that led the large drop in load in NSW coincident with the race
Responding to comments in social media about how “the race that stops the nation” might have contributed to a drop in demand in NSW
If your horse did not come in today – here’s a better chance to win a BBQ (and possibly* a bottle of Grange)
The competition is back, for another summer (with 7+1 prizes on offer). Read through for details…
What role might Demand Response play in a (possible) future grid featuring high levels of intermittency?
Back on 8th October, I spoke at All Energy in Melbourne on this topic. Given the questions posed after the session, it seemed that it might be of value to some WattClarity readers if I narrated over the top of the presentation and included it here, for future reference.
Ramp rates, for “Unserved Demand” much higher in this future world
A quick look at how ramp rates would vary (for “Unserved Consumption”) in the hypothetical “10x” high intermittency grid.
Considerable spillage, in the high intermittency “10x” scenario
Continuing our analysis of these hypothetical future scenarios to understand the shape of “unserved energy” and hence the potential contribution of Demand Response – today I post about energy spilled in a future with high intermittent generation supply.
What would “demand” look like, in a “10x” intermittent scenario
Laying out the framework for the analysis I’m doing for my presentation at All Energy 2015 – about the role Demand Response might play in a future market dominated by intermittent generation
Spring 2015 in the NEM
A collection of articles, as we post them, about what’s been happening through spring 2015 in the NEM
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
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.
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.
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
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)