Rules to guard against blackouts

The AEMC has released its power system security report that features a package of reforms to guard against technical failures that lead to cascading blackouts.

AEMC Chairman John Pierce said he was pleased to release the review’s final report to deliver a more stable and secure power supply to Australian homes and businesses. He also called for submissions on proposed rules to stabilise the grid in relation to frequency management and system strength. Submissions are due by 8 August 2017.

The new plan for power system security:

• makes networks provide minimum levels of inertia where inertia shortfalls are identified by AEMO;
• enables networks to contract with suppliers of inertia substitutes like fast frequency response services from emerging technologies like batteries, when providing these minimum levels, if AEMO agrees;
• gives AEMO more tools to increase inertia and help keep frequency in required operating bands;
• includes faster emergency frequency control schemes to strengthen the ‘last line of defence’ to help stop system-wide black-outs;
• makes networks responsible for maintaining a minimum level of system strength for each connected generator;
• requires new connecting generators to pay for remedial action if they would cause minimum system strength for other generators to be breached;
• foreshadows a new market-sourcing mechanism for inertia services and facilitates greater use of new technology like battery storage to back up the system when something goes wrong.

The AEMC’s power system security review was initiated in July 2016 to strengthen the security of the National Electricity Market.

Pierce said the rules address risks to energy security created by the power system’s changing generation technologies — as more non-synchronous, lower emission generators like wind and solar come in and synchronous generators like coal retire.

“We are focused on the power system’s evolution. Our reform package is looking at ways to stabilise the system as the generation mix changes, and new technology generators connect,” Pierce said.

The AEMC started making new rules on system security earlier this year. Today’s package builds on that work, which has already expanded the risk management role for the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to detect emerging security issues and take preventive action.

“AEMO welcomes the publication of this system security review report and draft rules by the AEMC, said AEMO Chief Executive Officer Audrey Zibelman.

Pierce said the proposed rules to better manage frequency and strengthen the system will involve AEMO and the networks implementing solutions together.