This policy tracker is a resource for anyone interested in the development and progress of the AEMO 100% renewable energy grid modelling. We will regularly post updates with news and information about progress with the grid modelling, the different players involved, and 100% Renewable's perspectives and activities around AEMO's s role in helping Australia move to a 100% renewable energy future.
Background:
In June 2011, the Clean Energy Future package incorporated a committment that "the Government will ask AEMO to expand its planning scenarios to prepare for greater use of renewable energy. This will include further consideration of energy market and transmission planning implications of moving towards 100 per cent renewable energy."
This work provides an exciting opportunity for the best energy modelling experts in Australia, to envisage how an entirely renewable energy grid would work.
Our goal:
The 100% Renewable energy campaign would like to see AEMO:
- publicly announce the details of its modelling work by February 2012, with the work to be completed by November 2012.
- complete modelling for a range of 100% renewable energy scenarios starting with 100% renewable energy by 2020
Campaign updates and progress:
11 December 2011: Campaign requests clarification of where AEMO progress is at, asking these questions of Ferguson, Combet and AEMO offices
9 December 2011: Standing Council on Energy and Resources (body who will direct AEMO to undertake modelling work) meets in Melbourne. No mention of 100% renewable grid modelling in subsequent SCER Communique
10 November 2011: Email from 100% Renewable campaign sent to Minister Ferguson's office asking for clarification of the status of the AEMO modelling. No response received.
November 2011: AEMO monthy newsletter mentions grid modelling work indicating "The ability to undertake modelling on the move towards 100 per cent renewable energy is beyond the current scope of the National Transmission Network Development plan (NTNDP) and we are currently awaiting direction of the scope of this work from the Department of Resources Energy and Tourism (DRET).”
26 October 2011: Matt Zema indicates in phone call he is awaiting direction from government before commencing work.
September 2011: 100% Renewable energy campaign meets with staff from Minister Feguson and Combet's office to ask about progress on AEMO modelling. Minister Combet's office confirms that DRET and AEMO have been in conversation about how to undertake the work and the next step will be to put the agreement about the work on the agenda of the next Standing Council on Energy and Resources meeting.
24 August 2011: 100% Renewable Campaign Coordinator met with Matt Zema, CEO of AEMO to discuss the modelling work and ask a series of questions about how AEMO will approach the work.
8 July 2011: 100% renewable energy grid modelling announced as part of the Clean Energy Future package.
Key decision makers
The details aound the grid modelling are currently being negotiated by AEMO and two government ministers. The COAG based Standing Council on Energy and Resources will also play a role in directing AEMO to undertake the work.
- Matthew Zema, CEO Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)
- Martin Ferguson, Energy Minister
- Greg Combet, Climate Change Minister
- Standing Council on Energy and Resources
We will be working to improve this page over time so would love to hear any feedback or suggestions about how to make this a useful resource.
If you have information you would like to share with us regarding the development or progress on the AEMO 100% grid modelling please email info
100percent [dot] org [dot] au.
