Antinuclear

The next 20 years will see unprecedented transformation in the power industry as it transitions to a low-carbon future, The Australian Energy Market Operator says.

It’s calling for major interconnector development, costing between $1 billion and $3 billion, to help the connection of renewable generation to existing infrastructure.

In the AEMO’s latest national transmission network development plan, it says a new interconnector could be built between South Australia and NSW or Victoria as well as a second Bass Strait link.

The network, historically designed to transport energy from traditional coal and gas generation centres, will be asked to support large-scale renewable generation, including 32 gigawatts of new wind and solar generation to be connected by 2036.

“In short – we’re projecting that a more decentralised grid must be a more interconnected grid,” AEMO chair Tony Marxsen said in Melbourne on Monday.

“We have to connect a lot of renewable power generation in new locations.

“More options in the market should provide more ways to not only lower the cost for customers but also add cost effective, agile solutions to support the security of the grid.”……..

The report does not mention emission intensity schemes despite an interim report on the national market’s security by chief scientist Dr Alan Finkel released on Friday concluding an EIS would take pressure off power prices while reducing blackouts and reducing climate change.http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/aust-power-grid-needs-an-upgrade-report/news-story/e763c079048797cef4d97bb19b8f06a0