Renewable Energy Integration
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) Work Programs
In August 2008, the MCE requested that the AEMC undertake a Review of Energy Market Frameworks in light of Climate Change Policies. The aim of the Review was to determine whether the energy market framework requires amendment to accommodate the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and expanded Renewable Energy Target.
The AEMC released its final report in October 2009. The MCE Response to the report was released in December 2009.
The MCE subsequently submitted to the AEMC two Rule change requests:
- “Scale Efficient Network Extensions” relating to the introduction of a new framework for the efficient connection of clusters of new generation, such as remotely located renewable energy generators
- An “Inter-Regional Transmission Use of Service charge” relating to the introduction of a systematic inter-regional transmission charging mechanism to assist in the development of a more efficient national transmission network and enable the more efficient transfer of electricity in a future NEM with high penetration of renewable energy in individual regions.
Related MCE Documents
MCE Renewable and Distributed Generation Working Group
In 2004 the MCE established the Renewable and Distributed Generation Working Group (RDGWG) to provide strategic advice on policy directions for removing impediments to, and promoting the commercial uptake of, renewable and distributed generation technologies and practices in the Australian energy market.
Initially RDGWG focused on increasing the clarity and consistency between different jurisdictional regimes. This included the development of a discussion paper and a draft code of practice for embedded generation (CoPEG) developed by the Utility Regulators Forum.
In 2006 the work of the RDGWG was integrated into the MCE’s broader work streams developing the economic and non-economic national distribution framework and the outcomes from RDGWG’s work were used to inform the establishment of these new regulatory frameworks. For example, the draft CoPEG was used to directly inform the development of the new national framework.
More information on the relevant aspects of the new frameworks is available through the Demand Side Participation webpage.
Submissions and Contributions to the Discussion Paper and draft CoPEG were in part summarised in Charles River Associates’ Review of NEM Arrangements for Renewable and Distributed Generation - October 2006
Related Documents
Discussion Paper |
Submissions |
Impediments to the Uptake of Renewable and Distributed Energy, Discussion Paper, February 2006 |
Impediments to the Uptake of Renewable and Distributed Energy, March 2006 |
MCE Wind Energy Policy Working Group
In 2004 the MCE established the Wind Energy Policy Working Group to provide advice on issues related to the entry of intermittent renewable energy generation into the NEM. The Wind Energy Technical Advisory Group, with industry sector representation was also formed to assist the policy group with the analysis of the technical matters.
Outcomes from this work were further developed by the Australian Energy Market Operator (then the National Electricity Market Management Company, NEMMCO) and resulted in the following Rule changes available on the AEMC website.
- Publication of Information for Non-scheduled Generation (2005)
- Technical Standards for Wind Generation and Other Generator Connections (2007)
- Central Dispatch and Integration of Wind and Other Intermittent Generation (2008)
Related Documents
Discussion Paper |
Submissions |
Integrating Wind Farms into the National Electricity Market, Discussion Paper, March 2005 |
Integrating Wind Farms into the National Electricity Market, March 2005 |