Solar and wind energy forecasting

Forecasts of intermittent generation are critical to maintaining both power system security and an efficient market.

AEMO operates systems to forecast both solar and wind power:

• Australian Solar Energy Forecasting System (ASEFS)
• Australian Wind Energy Forecasting System (AWEFS)

Information for participants operating semi-scheduled generators is available in the Guide to Intermittent Generation and the NEM Operational Forecasting and Dispatch Handbook for wind and solar generators. Participants and related stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the Intermittent Generator Forums held periodically.

In early 2018, AEMO and ARENA began undertaking a Participant Forecasting program to demonstrate the potential benefits of wind and solar generator self-forecasting to operation of the power system. It is anticipated that the use of self-forecasting will deliver system wide benefits by reducing generation forecast error and providing greater autonomy to existing semi-scheduled generators.