The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) is a step closer to launching Australia’s first database of distributed energy resources (DER), due for release in December 2019, with the publication of Australia’s DER register information guidelines.
The release of the publication follows extensive consultation with industry participants and consumer representatives to determine the data collection process and database of essential information on DER installed in the National Electricity Market (NEM).
AEMO Managing Director and CEO, Audrey Zibelman, said the register lays the foundation to build the world’s most dynamic two-way energy system and market that will underpin Australia’s future energy system.
“Australian consumers lead the world in installing distributed energy resources, such as rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems, which means these emerging technologies will play a fundamental role in how we maintain a safe, reliable, secure and affordable energy system,” Ms Zibelman said.
AEMO’s Integrated System Plan (ISP) forecasts that by 2040 the NEM will host between 21 gigawatts and 56 gigawatts of rooftop PV capacity, making rooftop PV the highest generation capacity technology in the NEM.
“With more than two million rooftop PV systems already installed in Australian and a growing uptake in battery storage, AEMO is collaborating with the energy sector on a dedicated program to integrate and operate scalable DER assets,” said Executive General Manager Emerging Markets and Services, Violette Mouchaileh.
“Our program of work includes the design, testing and contribution to regulatory reform to build a world-first, two-way energy system and market.
“The DER register and information guidelines released today are a major step towards building the first national database to enable the realisation of consumer value and enhance power system reliability via DER installed in homes and businesses across Australia.”
AEMO is working with stakeholders to develop standards to integrate, operate and manage DER assets, pilot solutions through its Virtual Power Plant demonstrations, and recommend a model with Energy Networks Australia to efficiently and cost-effectively operate and trade related services to support the NEM.
Prior to the launch of AEMO’s DER register on 1 December 2019, AEMO will continue to work with DER installers, network businesses and other relevant stakeholders on providing training to use the portal and encouraging registrations.
