A new online platform for monitoring the activity of the Australian energy sector has been launched by the Ministers for Energy, Industry, Science and Technology.
Developed jointly by the Department of the Environment and Energy, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Australian Energy Market Operator, the new National Energy Analytics Research (NEAR) program uses the latest in modern data techniques to collect, integrate and enhance information on Australia’s energy use.
Minister for Energy, Angus Taylor said the latest figures from the Clean Energy Regulator suggested that more than $25 billion would be allocated for 18.8 GW of new renewable generation in the Australian energy sector over 2018-to-2020.
“The successful integration of this unprecedented level of investment will depend on accurate long-term forecasting of Australia’s energy production, transmission and use,” Mr Taylor said.
“The NEAR program provides data and research that can lead to dramatic improvements in our nation’s approach to energy forecasting and better ways to manage a low cost energy system.”
He said more than $20 million of public money had been allocated to develop world-class capabilities in understanding and planning for the future.
The Minister said NEAR program research had already delivered a rich collection of data products.
These included the impact of retail tariffs on vulnerable consumers; national and regional opportunities for demand response programs; key drivers of energy consumption for Australian households; and the evolution of energy consumption across Australia over the last decade.
Details of the new program can be accessed from the Department’s website at this PS News link .
