The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has released its operational outlook for winter, with warmer-than-average conditions expected, supported by increased generation and storage capacity.
Each year, AEMO assesses weather forecasts and expected electricity and gas demand for the upcoming winter, and collaborates with industry to best position our country’s systems to successfully navigate potential challenges.
AEMO Executive General Manager Operations, Michael Gatt, said AEMO spends months working with industry ahead of each season to prepare for the varying seasonal challenges.
“The critical work with industry ahead of each season supports our energy systems in continuing to meet consumers’ needs,” Mr Gatt said.
“Our forecasts for the National Electricity Market (NEM) point to a stable winter outlook, underpinned by new generation and storage capacity, strong plant availability, and healthy fuel reserves,” he said.
Since last winter, more than 3,000 megawatts (MW) of new generation and battery storage capacity have been added to the NEM, including 1,600 MW of grid-scale batteries, 900 MW of grid-scale solar and wind, and a 660 MW gas-powered generator.
“Alongside new generation, the availability of existing coal and gas generators is expected to be similar to last winter. Importantly, gas storage facilities in southern Australia are near full, and coal stockpiles remain sufficient for expected generation,” he said.
Planned maintenance and upgrades across electricity and gas infrastructure will continue throughout winter as part of ongoing system investment and reliability measures, which AEMO will continue to monitor with industry.
“AEMO’s control room operators monitor and manage the system 24/7, working closely with industry participants to balance supply and demand and manage the system in real time,” Mr Gatt said.
“That coordination is a critical part of delivering reliable outcomes for consumers throughout the season,” he said.
In Western Australia, the Wholesale Electricity Market is expected to deliver a similarly reliable outlook, with comparable levels of synchronous generation to last year, and an additional 600 MW of battery storage capacity supporting supply.
Coal and gas supplies are also expected to remain sufficient over the winter period.
AEMO continues to monitor global energy market conditions, including any impacts of ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“Australia’s energy markets have remained resilient, with industry managing operational pressures associated with higher liquid fuel costs and access concerns,” Mr Gatt said.
“AEMO will continue to support industry and advise governments to maintain the secure and reliable operation of the energy system,” he said.
ENDS
For more information, please contact AEMO Media:
[email protected]
0409 382 121
About AEMO
AEMO is responsible for operating Australia’s largest gas and electricity markets and power systems in the best interests of Australian energy consumers. These include the National Electricity Market and interconnected power system in Australia’s eastern and southeastern seaboard, the Wholesale Electricity Market and power system in Western Australia, the Victorian gas transmission system and gas markets across Australia.
As Australia’s independent energy markets and power systems operator, AEMO provides critical planning, forecasting and power systems security advice and services to deliver energy security for all Australians. AEMO is a not-for profit entity. For more information, head to www.aemo.com.au.