Official reports show Australian power systems are on a path to greater renewable integration.

Australia's power systems are advancing as they navigate the retirement of coal generators, according to two recent engineering reviews. 

The reports, focusing on the National Electricity Market (NEM) and Western Australia's South West Interconnected System (SWIS), outline the technical adaptations required to support an increasing share of energy from renewables such as solar, wind, hydro, and battery storage.

Daniel Westerman, CEO of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), says that renewables already supply approximately 40 per cent of Australia's electricity needs annually, with peak contributions reaching over 70 per cent in the east and 80 per cent in the west. 

He said AEMO is preparing for the challenges of operating the power system under conditions where renewable energy contributions continue to set global records.

“We are working with leading international peers and local industry to remove the technical constraints to harnessing more renewable energy for the benefit of Australian homes and businesses,” Westerman said.

The reports build on previous efforts, including the 2020 Engineering Framework and the 2022 NEM Engineering Roadmap. 

The 2024 NEM Engineering Roadmap update highlights progress in areas such as grid-forming inverter specifications, electric vehicle standards, and compliance for rooftop solar inverters. Additionally, it outlines AEMO’s priority actions for the upcoming year.

In Western Australia, the SWIS Engineering Roadmap draws from achievements under the state’s Energy Transformation Strategy and previous reports from 2019 and 2021. 

The roadmap details engineering actions required to accommodate more renewables in the state’s largest grid, reflecting the broader national effort to integrate renewables while maintaining grid stability.

Westerman also noted a significant milestone in South Australia, where the state's electricity needs were met entirely by rooftop solar for a period on 31 December of the previous year. 

This achievement was attributed to advances in grid security measures and policies that minimise disruptions for consumers.

The two engineering reports, including previous priority reports, are available on the AEMO website.