Australian transmission company Transgrid is searching for new technology to future-proof the power system as the country transitions to renewable energy and coal generators retire.

The company launched a program following an Expression of Interest process that resulted in over 60 potential technology solutions. Transgrid is seeking cost-effective solutions to ensure a strong and resilient system in the event of a disturbance or fault in the future, as coal generators retire and periods of up to 100% instantaneous renewable energy become possible in the next few years. The company is considering more than 10GW of innovative grid-forming batteries, over 5GW of other new generation and energy storage projects, including pumped hydro and gas, and synchronous condensers. Transgrid is also undertaking a Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T) process to identify existing and new sources of system strength as thermal generators retire. The company plans to identify the optimal combination of network and non-network solutions that meet New South Wales's system strength requirements with the greatest benefits to consumers. The Project Assessment Draft Report (PADR) is expected to be published in late 2023 for consultation.

The company is taking proactive action to keep the network strong during the energy transition, with boosting system strength a key component of broader efforts to ensure system security, including accelerating the delivery of nation-critical transmission infrastructure to connect renewables and storage capacity to maintain energy reliability for consumers as Australia transitions away from thermal generation.

Source: utilitymagazine.com.au