National Energy Simulator Feasibility Study
- $500k Funded by ARENA
- $1.71m Total project cost
Summary
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), in collaboration with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), is undertaking the National Energy Simulator Feasibility Study to develop a first-in-class, cross-domain, and highly detailed simulation system of Australia’s energy systems.
Need
The National Energy Simulator Feasibility Study acknowledges that Australia’s energy system is undergoing major disruption driven by the rapidly changing bulk-generation mix, consumer energy resources and growing interdependence between energy systems. This makes it more dynamic, complex and significantly more challenging to plan and operate safely and reliably. Existing data, models and analysis tools are no longer able to deal with this context.
Action
The feasibility study for the National Energy Simulator will include a cost-benefit analysis for the development of a larger project known as the Australian Energy Simulation Centre (AESC). The study will include a series of workshops with AEMO and CSIRO experts, as well as representative stakeholders from utilities, industry organisations and universities.
Outcome
If fully implemented, the AESC will encompass data and models of electricity and gas transmission, distribution and fuel dependencies. The AESC will provide an integrated real-world view of the energy system with ‘what if?’ analytical capability, built and maintained with actual operating data.
The feasibility study will identify use cases and key design elements that will be necessary for success. Depending on components deemed feasible, developing the AESC will improve understanding of detailed energy system interactions, including how renewables interact with the grid. This enhanced understanding should enable more renewable energy sources to securely and reliably contribute to Australia’s energy mix.
