The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and the Clean Energy Council (CEC) have launched a program to improve the connection process for renewable and hybrid projects in the National Electricity Market (NEM).
The Connections Reform Initiative builds on existing work the CEC and AEMO have led with CEC members, transmission and distribution businesses and other industry stakeholders to address the systemic issues of the connection process.
Chief System Design Officer at the EMO, Alex Wonhas, said an industry-wide effort to help address transition issues was welcome and timely.
“The AEMO and the CEC have a shared purpose to further improve the bankability of renewable energy and hybrid projects attempting to connect to the NEM,” Dr Wonhas said.
“With the Connections Reform Initiative, we will work with industry to co-create solutions to overcome the systemic issues that are impacting efficient and timely grid connections.”
He said the initiative complemented work the AEMO already had under way on a number of fronts to improve the connections process for developers.
Chief Executive of the CEC, Kane Thornton (pictured) said grid connection was the most significant challenge facing large-scale renewable energy projects, with substantial delays and changes in technical requirements impacting projects and investor confidence.
“It is critical that the connection process be reviewed and reformed to ensure it is fit-for-purpose to give renewable energy project proponents the clarity and certainty that is necessary,” Mr Thornton said.
“This joint initiative allows experts from across the AEMO, the clean energy industry and beyond to explore these complex technical issues and collectively develop a connection process which delivers far better outcomes for everyone.”
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