The electricity sector is undergoing a major transformation, driven by rapidly falling costs for renewable energy generation, consumer driven self-supply options (such as rooftop solar PVs and battery storage), and new policy measures at the national level to meet Australia’s international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In light of this, the Minister for Energy requested the former Public Utilities Office (now Energy Policy WA) to examine the electricity generation requirements of the State’s main electricity network – the South West Interconnected System (SWIS).
This work involved modelling of a 20 year outlook for energy demand and supply in the SWIS to provide information on:
- the likely mix of generation technologies;
- the level and timing of investment required in new generation and network capacity;
- emissions levels from electricity generation; and
- wholesale electricity prices.
The modelling was also to identify the potential risks to the security and reliability of the electricity system that may arise from higher levels of intermittent generation on the system. The possible role of energy storage, both by utilities and by customers, in helping to manage this transition was also considered.
The results will help the Government steer policy and regulatory changes so that benefits offered by the electricity sector transformation in the SWIS are captured and the risks to power system security and reliability are managed at the lowest sustainable cost.
This modelling will inform the development of the Whole of System Plan being delivered as part of the Energy Transformation Strategy.
