Advancing critical technologies to operate clean energy grid

The NSW grid operator is planning a step-change in analytical and operational capabilities and capacity over the next decade by upgrading technologies and tools in its control rooms as Australia’s clean energy transition accelerates.

Transgrid is testing the market as it examines technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities, for the safe and reliable transition of NSW’s electricity system as coal generation is replaced by renewable energy.

Australia’s largest transmission business is also undertaking a Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T) process to identify cost effective and efficient options to upgrade operational technologies and tools in control rooms and corporate offices.

Executive General Manager of Network Marie Jordan said: “The emerging clean energy grid is far more dynamic and complex than ever before, and our transmission operations must evolve to maintain electricity system reliability, security and resilience.

“The power system in NSW is undergoing rapid transformational change as a small number of centrally-located, coal-fired power stations are replaced by geographically dispersed and variable renewable generators.

“This transition is driving substantial growth in information and analysis requirements across our operational control and planning functions, with unprecedented changes in the generation and load interacting with our network, which is at the heart of the National Electricity Market.

“Improving our ability to operate the network will deliver significant benefits to consumers by ensuring grid operators are equipped to deal with emerging challenges and avoiding disruptive and costly power outages that may otherwise occur. Modernising our control rooms will also provide greater certainty for those investing in Australia’s clean energy future, including renewable generators such as wind and solar, as the transition accelerates.

“We are also working with the Australian Energy Market Operator to ensure alignment and complement its Operations Technology Roadmap.”

As part of the regulatory process, Transgrid specialists with input from independent international and Australian experts have prepared a Project Specification Consultation Report, which outlines three options costing between $80 million and $130 million to enhance reactive, proactive and predictive capabilities.

Transgrid has also issued a Request for Information to global companies to test availability and costings for the proposed options and identify other potential technologies for consideration.

“We need advanced digital technologies to ensure we can manage and operate the transmission network with the same quality and reliability as we have for over a quarter of a century,” Ms Jordan said.

“These technologies will provide operational planners and control room operators with critical information, enabling them to understand current and evolving conditions and make decisions at speed to securely operate a more complex and dynamic power system.

“Transgrid will also improve situational awareness and decision support tools, such as advanced alarm analytics, to allow control room operators to anticipate system changes, assess the potential impact   and respond appropriately when or before a system event occurs.

“Operators will be able to visualise vast volumes of rapidly changing data, enabling faster and more accurate decisions to keep the power system operating within a secure technical envelope under more complex and dynamic conditions.”

Submissions are due to be lodged by 15 January, with a full quantitative analysis of all credible options to be released in a Project Assessment Draft Report in early 2025 for consultation.

Transgrid’s System Security Roadmap outlines its 10-year plan to transform the state’s power system and ensure the secure operation of the grid at up to 100% instantaneous renewables. 

Media enquiries: Mark Nolan 0429 047 136