Powerlink has recently published a ‘Project Specification Consultation Report’ (PSCR) to address system strength requirements in Queensland from December 2025.
System strength is a measure of the ability of the power system to remain stable by maintaining the voltage waveform, at any given location, both with and without the occurrence of an event or disturbance or fluctuations in supply or demand.
Moving the energy system to much greater levels of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) generation brings technical challenges to the transmission network, such as the need to ensure system strength is maintained. Given the pace and scale of the energy transformation, rapid uptake of VRE resources and signalled retirement of much of the existing fleet of synchronous generators, it is critical to find alternate solutions to address system strength needs.
Commencing December 2022, as the System Strength Service Provider for Queensland, there is a need for Powerlink to address system strength requirements to ensure compliance with the National Electricity Rules and to take action to plan, procure and make available system strength services as set out in the 10-year forecast provided in the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO’s) most recent System Strength Report.
Powerlink is proposing two credible options that address both the minimum and efficient levels of system strength required. Option 1 seeks to procure system strength services to meet the identified need in its entirety for both the minimum and efficient levels of system strength between December 2025 and December 2030. Option 2 is a hybrid solution which seeks to procure system strength services together with the installation and commissioning of up to eight new 200MVA synchronous condensers (network component) for both the minimum and efficient levels of system strength required by December 2030.
System strength services required to be made available beyond 2030 will guided by AEMO’s annual System Strength Report forecasts as the energy transformation continues to gain momentum. Consistent with the National Electricity Objective, Powerlink also recognises the desirability of longer term contracts to promote efficient investment in electricity services, protecting the long-term interests of consumers.
In accordance with the requirements of the Rules, a summary of the PSCR is made available on the AEMO website. A copy of the ‘Project Specification Consultation Report’ can be obtained from the Powerlink website on the RIT-T Consultations page or by emailing networkassessments@powerlink.com.au.
Powerlink welcomes submissions from proponents who consider they could offer a potential non-network option that is both economically and technically feasible by 2030.
Submissions are due by COB Friday, 21 July 2023.
Any enquiries in the first instance should be directed to:
Nathaniel Dunnett
Manager Portfolio Planning and Optimisation
Powerlink Queensland
PO Box 1193
VIRGINIA, QLD 4014
Tel: (+617) 3860 2111
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