Iain MacGill

IEEFA Calls for Greater Ambition in Integrated System Plan for Distributed Energy Resources, #DER    Dr Gabrielle Kuiper and Johanna Bowyer urge increased ambition on Distributed Energy Resources #DER in Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)'s Integrated System Plan (ISP). The role of #DER in homes and businesses is crucial for the future cost-effectiveness of the #electricity system, with behind-the-meter generation, flexible demand and storage becoming increasingly significant. Key points: ▪ #DER in homes and businesses will likely be the largest component of generation capacity, storage and flexible load in the National Electricity Market (NEM) by 2050.    ▪ AEMO’s DER forecasts are conservative in several respects, meaning DER could play a much greater role than currently forecast.    ▪ A higher DER sensitivity is needed in the 2024 ISP, and a high DER scenario is required in the 2026 ISP.    ▪ Without co-optimisation between the demand side and the supply side, AEMO risks over-estimating how much large-scale generation and new transmission will be necessary.    IEEFA Recommendations 👇 ☀️ #RooftopSolar  🔸 IEEFA recommends that AEMO use the more up-to-date 2023 Green Energy Markets (GEM) forecasts for the final 2024 ISP modelling to get to a more accurate rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) forecast.   🔸 IEEFA suggests that AEMO re-examine its rooftop PV forecasts in light of the technical potential estimated by the UNSW, the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) and the APVI - Australian PV Institute (APVI) and the increase in PV panel power density.   🔸 IEEFA suggests that ARENA’s target solar PV capital cost trajectory should be used in a sensitivity for the 2024 ISP, and that the 2026 ISP develop a broader range of solar PV capital cost scenarios. 🚘 Electric Vehicles #EVs  ▪ EEFA recommends that AEMO explore faster and higher EV V2G uptake scenarios in the ISP. 🎛️ #FlexibleDemand  🔹 IEEFA recommends that AEMO considers forecasting and separately reporting DER flexible demand in its demand forecasts. 🔹 Greater transparency is needed for Demand Side Participation (DSP) forecasts in the ISP or its appendices, including explanations of their derivation. 🔹 IEEFA supports the Energy and Climate Ministerial Council’s recommendations for transparency and improvements in demand-side forecasts, and suggests that AEMO implement these changes in the 2024 ISP when possible, rather than waiting for the 2026 ISP. 🔹 IEEFA recommends conducting co-optimization between the demand and supply sides in the 2026 ISP, with sensitivity analyses in the 2024 ISP to test variations in the demand side and its impacts on the supply side. 🌏 Overall, IEEFA recommends that AEMO include a higher DER scenario in the 2026 ISP, and a high DER sensitivity in the 2024 ISP.   Download Briefing Note 👇 https://lnkd.in/gD-EzuHd #EnergyTransition #Forecasting

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It is with delight that we can announce that the National Energy Equity Framework is now available for public consultation. The Group of Energy Researchers (GEER) Australia was the consortia that conducted the research and developed the central model in the national framework - the ABATE vulnerability and hardship states model. 🔑 Key to the report is a new model that distinguishes between states of vulnerability and states of hardship - the ABATE framework. 🚢Each state reflects the lived experience of consumers with journey maps included in a separate report . ✅ Energy hardship and vulnerability are not characteristics of a person, they are circumstances. Hardship and vulnerability are not failure of the consumer, they are market failure The GEER consortia was led by Rowan Bedggood with team members Prof. Rebekah Russell-Bennett , Professor Ross Gordon , John Gardner , Dr Kate Letheren , Dr Ryan McAndrew , Henry Adams , Luke Reade and Wendy Miller . The individual reports from our team that contributed to the national framework are available from the government website for download. Access the national framework and reports here: https://lnkd.in/evmaneK2 Energy Queensland , Energy Consumers Australia , ACT Government Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) Energy Queensland Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Australian Energy Regulator RACE for 2030

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Dr. Madeline Taylor from Macquarie University explores the untapped potential of agrivoltaics in Australia, highlighting the symbiotic use of land for agriculture and solar photovoltaics (PV). Despite successful pilot projects, agrivoltaics has yet to scale in Australia due to the absence of a federal policy integrating agriculture and renewable energy. She advocates for regulatory reform and increased investment to overcome cost barriers and unlock opportunities for agricultural landholders to benefit from distributed energy resources (DER). Read about it here - https://lnkd.in/g-Ujvnuh Source: Hamilton Locke #Agrivoltaics #RenewableEnergy #DER #Sustainability #AusEnergy

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New hydrogen micro-credential courses developed by Deakin University and Engineering Education Australia (EEA) will provide critical skills to help reach Australia's net zero and clean energy targets. The program, which features four micro-credential courses and one webinar, will focus on upskilling workers across industries including energy, transport and government, to propel Australia's hydrogen economy. The partnership between Deakin University and EEA was formed in 2022 following research from Deakin's hydrogen technology hub Hycel into the development and strengthening of a prosperous hydrogen workforce. Hycel Director Professor Tiffany Walsh says: “This builds on Deakin’s track record in hydrogen education, including in primary and secondary schools, with our TAFE partners in vocational training, for emergency response workers, and now for engineers to confidently design, plan, build and operate hydrogen systems.” https://lnkd.in/gwqmCNVz

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Time and time again, equity issues come out front and centre of energy consumers' concerns about the energy transition. Engineering-first perspectives tend to overlook this fact, instead promoting price-exposure at the household level. A nice piece of analysis from The Insight Centre that echoes many other studies both in Australia and internationally...

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Time and time again, equity issues come out front and centre of energy consumers' concerns about the energy transition. Engineering-first perspectives often overlook this fact, instead promoting price-exposure at the household level. A nice piece of analysis from The Insight Centre that echoes many other studies both in Australia and internationally...

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📢 In the news: Our Management of Harmonic Distortion for Large Renewable Energy Generation Project Our recent study, released by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) as part of its knowledge sharing program, has been recognised in the press! As the project lead, we collaborated with industry leaders to uncover significant findings about harmonic filters. As reported by RenewEconomy, our study found that the assumptions for requiring harmonic filters on renewable energy generators were incorrect. A network solution, rather than penalizing individual plants, would save costs and enhance grid security. Read more about our findings and their impact on the renewable energy industry: https://lnkd.in/gWXfr47K #RenewableEnergy #SustainableFuture #GridSecurity #ElectricalGrid #GreenEnergy #WindPower #SolarPower #HarmonicFilter

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Today marks the welcome release of updated planning guidelines for renewable energy projects in New South Wales, with the release of the Renewable Energy Planning Framework.   The framework aims to strike the best balance between a timely energy transition and managing the impacts of projects.   New benefit sharing guidelines are a fundamental component of this framework, designed to ensure that local communities are empowered and supported through reaping the significant economic benefits of hosting renewable energy projects, including a projected $400 million shared over a 25 year period and the creation of local jobs.   The Clean Energy Council’s Dr Nicholas Aberle said the guidelines will play a crucial role in ensuring wind and solar farms in NSW are assessed in a timely manner while helping the state to maintain a reliable electricity supply.   “Clearer guidelines create a more predictable process for the companies seeking to build renewable energy projects as well as for the communities where these projects are proposed to be built, which is a win-win.   “This outcome reflects a significant volume of advocacy work by members and the Clean Energy Council, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to ensure NSW’s energy transition is on track.” #cleanenergy #renewableenergy

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BloombergNEF has just released a report, which says we need $2.4 trillion to protect the climate that the majority of Australians want. Where could that money come from - fast - and how? Could we shift some of our collective super to a massive nation building green fund? Could we give a guarantee or support to the super funds who want to invest in renewables.. Could we shift a big part of the global 6 trillion in fossil fuel subsidies, as measured by the IMF? What about a tax on the super rich? What about ... What ideas do you have? What can interested people, businesses and leaders do to make it possible to shift those funds so Australia can build that future? Tim Buckley can you tee off first? Anthony Albanese The Hon. Peter Dutton MP Adam Bandt MP Zali Steggall OAM MP Kate Chaney MP Chris Bowen MP Jim Chalmers Roger Cook Rita Saffioti MLA Dr. Brad Pettitt MLC Libby Mettam Commonwealth Bank NAB ANZ Westpac Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Tim Buckley Climate Energy Finance Blair Palese Climate Impact Capital Energy Holdings, LLC The Australia Institute BloombergNEF Grattan Institute Clean Energy Council Smart Energy Council Rewiring Australia Greenpeace Australia Pacific World Wildlife Fund Sustainable Energy Now Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA) Labor Environment Action Network UnionsWA Ketan Joshi Mark Jacobson Meri Fatin International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

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Make sure to check out Rong Deng's recent seminar on 'Solar Panel End-of-life Management in Australia' Rong is an APVI Board Member and represents Australia on the IEA PVPS Program on Sustainability Watch the seminar here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gP2f6AS3 #seminar #sustainability #solar #management

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This paper explores the dynamics of the energy sector through a systems thinking lens. It examines the interconnected components, energy sources, production, supply, demand, and policy, and highlights the limitations of current approaches in achieving sustainability. Using a case study of the Australian energy sector, the paper reveals how short-term fixes can undermine long-term sustainability goals. Find it here https://is.gd/HWrMI6 How can we shift from short-term solutions to long-term energy policy strategies to ensure a sustainable future?

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**Unlocking Carbon-Negative Power Stations in New Zealand** Recent research from the University of Canterbury and Ngawhā Generation Ltd reveals a promising pathway for New Zealand to achieve carbon-negative power generation. By retrofitting the Ngāwhā power station, which is already carbon neutral, the facility could capture additional carbon dioxide from forestry residues, effectively enhancing its sustainability profile. The study highlights the potential for three income streams from the modified power station: geothermal electricity, carbon capture and sequestration, and the production of high-purity food-grade carbon dioxide, with the latter identified as the most lucrative. This innovative approach not only addresses the growing need to manage forestry waste but also positions New Zealand as a potential leader in CO2 removal technologies. As the global demand for sustainable energy solutions increases, New Zealand's robust natural resources and regulatory framework provide a unique opportunity to develop multiple value chains. By integrating geothermal energy, forestry management, and carbon capture, the country can pave the way for achieving climate targets while fostering international collaborations. #Sustainability #Geothermal #ClimateSolutions #Innovation #circularEconomy #climatechange #renewable #NewZealand

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The rapid growth of #rooftopsolar in Australia presents both an opportunity and a challenge for our energy grid. While Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)’s proposed emergency curtailment measures may offer short-term grid stability, the long-term answer is clear: more #energystorage. Australia’s unique advantage lies in its immense potential for #pumpedhydroenergystorage (#PHES), as detailed in RE100 ANU’s Global Atlas of Pumped Hydro Storage (https://lnkd.in/eZ4SYyuH), alongside expanding battery storage. Together, these solutions can ensure grid stability, maximize solar utilization, and reduce curtailment. It’s time to shift the focus from curbing solar to scaling storage, pioneering a renewable, resilient energy future. #solar #rooftopsolar #pv #rooftoppv #energystorage #pumpedhydro

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Help shape the future of Renewable Energy Investment with this 5 minute survey ☀️ The UNSW Digital Grid Futures Institute is partnering with EY to offer an "Investing in Renewables 101” course. However, before we finalise the content, we want to hear from YOU! Your feedback is critical in ensuring the course addresses your key questions and learning goals. The course is aimed at anyone interested in renewable energy investment. Whether you are a land developer, a venture capitalist, an energy industry professional, look after investment portfolios, an impact driven philanthropist, or just want to learn more about renewable energy investment – we’d love to hear from you 📝 Take our quick survey to help us shape the future of this program (there is also a link to the proposed program at the top of the survey) 👉 https://lnkd.in/gBBzH_P6 Please feel free to share this with your colleagues & networks – the more feedback we have, the more value we can ensure you’re getting from this course and any that follow 👏 #RenewableEnergy #Investing #Sustainability #RenewableEnergyInvestment Kamran Shahbaz Amber Shergis Sharon Swift Lily Liang

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🔍 Insights from IEEFA on #Nuclear Power in Australia 🌏 We recently published a report analysing the nuclear energy scheme proposed by the Coalition, highlighting its significant implications for electricity bills. Notably, The Hon Chris Bowen MP Minister for Climate Change and Energy referenced our findings in a recent press conference, underscoring the importance of our analysis. As an independent think tank, the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) provides rigorous, unbiased insights into energy markets and policy. Key findings of our report include: ◾ Recent real-world international nuclear reactor builds have experienced significant cost overruns and delays. ◾ IEEFA estimates that the Australian nuclear proposal could lead to an average increase of $665 per year in energy bills across the regions examined. ◾ Families that consume more energy would be hit harder with an estimated $972 bill increase per year on average. Listen to Johanna Bowyer as she unveils the debate surrounding these findings and their broader implications ⤵ Stay tuned for more research and in-depth discussions on this vital topic. #EnergyPolicy #NuclearDebate #RenewableEnergy #AustraliaEnergy #AusPol #ElectricityBills

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We support the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC)'s review of network tariff and retail pricing arrangements, because the current state is leading to poor consumer outcomes and is unlikely to remain fit for purpose moving forward. The AEMC's review must: ✅ Be evidence-based. ✅ Be driven by bill outcomes and consumer preferences. ✅ Assess the future drivers and nature of energy system costs. ✅ Consider whether current cost-recovery methods are likely to be fair and appropriate moving forward. Read our submission: https://loom.ly/ugCSMTg

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Last week, the Energy Efficiency Council, funded by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and Solar Victoria within the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), released the roadmap for heat pump hot water systems (HPHWS) in Australia that lays out key steps for the establishment of heat pumps as the primary water-heating technology across the country by 2030. As a signatory of the roadmap, we are committed to continuing our operational excellence across the energy efficiency industry. Discover how are and will continue to support the roadmap to 2030 🔋💧 Read the full roadmap: https://hubs.ly/Q02JwKsZ0 #EnergyEfficiency #CleanEnergy #EmeraldAustralia #ElectrifyAustralia

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The influence of regulation on preference for utility infrastructure investment to generate income for Australian water corporations New Journal paper from Peter J Coombes explores the influence of regulation, legislation and monopoly processes on preference for utility supply side infrastructure. An interesting read in the context of requests to double water bills and limit user pays pricing - the ability of people to use less mains water to manage their household welfare and environmental impacts. Open access paper now available via our webpage.

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