Power System Analysis Tools – Future Requirements independent review
In 2024, AEMO commissioned Independent Consultant Tim George, to undertake a comprehensive review of the modelling tools used by AEMO in connection assessments and operation of the electricity grid.
The review was informed through extensive consultation with a targeted selection of project developers, OEMs, network operators (including international) and consultants. External stakeholders were selected based on their varied experience with connections across project technologies, sizes and jurisdictions, in Australia and internationally.
The Power System Analysis Tools – Future Requirements review has now been finalised. The review provides short and long term recommendations for AEMO’s power system model management and analysis tools with the objective of accelerating connection applications and ensuring the connection process is fit-for-purpose, while managing and maintaining a secure electricity system.
This review assists AEMO in identifying opportunities to optimise the current power system analysis process to support an increase to 6 GW of new capacity connected yearly out to 2030 as outlined in the 2024 Integrated System Plan (ISP).
Primary objectives of the review were to:
- Improve the efficiency, robustness, consistency and transparency of power system analysis studies, having regard to changes in technology, addressing gaps in AEMO’s capabilities, and having regard to international practice
- Enable the accelerated assessment of inverter-based resources (IBRs) using tools with improved interoperability, greater portability of data and an ability to be used across multiple platforms.
- Improve the management of data used in AEMO modelling, including providing a single source of truth, greater consistency of data across different analysis tools, and enhanced management of confidential data and intellectual property.
Provide confidence that AEMO can continue to operate the power system securely with the increasing volume of connections using common models and high resolution data sources.
This review and its recommendations will be incorporated into AEMO’s broader strategy for power system modelling being developed for both the operational and system design functions of the power system.
The independent review is available here: