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The recommendations from the Australian Energy Market Commission
are the latest in a series of measures taken by the government
and regulators to shore up power supply in the wake of a string
of blackouts, warnings of gas shortfalls and soaring energy
prices.
The commission's chairman, John Pierce, said the technical
proposals would address risks to energy security created by the
power system's shift toward renewable energy, which has
introduced more complexity in running the grid when the wind and
sun die down.
"Our reform package is looking at ways to stabilize the system
as the generation mix changes, and new technology generators
connect," Pierce said in a statement.
The commission called for the market to use new technology like
batteries to back up the system when there is a sudden supply
outage, among a range of technical measures to shore up grid
security.
Networks could contract with suppliers of services like fast
frequency response from emerging technologies like batteries, to
help maintain minimum security levels, it said.
The commission also called for new connecting generators to pay
for remedial action if they harmed the strength of the system.
Looking to prevent further outages and cap rising energy prices
the federal government and states have announced plans to
restart mothballed gas-fired power plants, fund energy storage
and introduce gas export controls.
However the latest outlook from the Australian Energy Market
Operator released earlier this month warned that despite those
efforts to beef up supply, eastern Australia's power grid will
be stretched again if fierce heatwaves hit over the next two
summers.
It comes on the heels of a call from Australia's chief scientist
for the federal government to set a "fuel neutral" clean energy
target that provides an incentive to build new generation to cap
soaring power prices, cut carbon emissions and keep the lights
on.
(Reporting by Joseph Hinchliffe; Editing by Sonali Paul and
Richard Pullin)
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