Australia Govt: Investing in technology to help renewables connect to the grid

An Australian Government investment in technology will make it faster for generation projects to connect to the electricity grid.

ARENA is investing $2.23 million to help AEMO develop a cloud-based connections simulation tool.

The Hon Angus Taylor MP, Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction said it’s crucial to know how renewable energy can work with power networks to keep the system affordable and reliable.

“This new technology will make it even easier for new generation projects to apply for and receive approvals by enabling renewable generators and network companies to work out how the new projects will impact the grid,’ the Minister said. ‘They will be able to use the same detailed system simulations as used by AEMO, all while preserving confidential modelling data.’

‘The connections simulation tool will help reduce the costs and application times for developers, network service providers, consultants and AEMO, and support continued strong investment in renewables.’

The first prototype of the connections simulation tool will be available to trial by the end of the year.

Australia installed a record 7 GW of new renewable capacity in 2020. This is 11% higher than the previous record set in 2019 (6.3 GW).