AEMO review of technical requirements for connection (NER clause 5.2.6A)

Outcomes

The final report makes recommendations to address 44 issues in NER Schedules 5.2, 5.3 and 5.3a which were identified by AEMO and its stakeholders over the course of the Review. Stakeholders have included approximately 250 individuals across over 100 organisations representing Network Service Providers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), developers and large load customers.

Final recommendations, once given effect through a subsequent NER amendment process, will realise a range review objectives, which include:

• aligning standards with best power system performance;
• improving power system resilience;
• streamlining the connections process; and
• accommodating new technology associated with large loads, grid-forming inverters, synchronous condensers and HVDC links.

Next steps

On publication of the final report, AEMO will write to the AEMC to confirm that AEMO intends to submit rule change proposals, and request the AEMC to consider the fast track process for the majority of its rule changes arising from the Schedule 5.2 and 5.3a recommendations. Other recommendations would then propose a standard rule change process seeking to make other final recommendations.

Engagement

Prior to the final report, AEMO published the following key documents in the Review:

• An approach paper (published 12 October 2022) that described the matters that AEMO proposed to review.
• A draft report (published 3 March 2023) setting out its draft recommendations for amendments to technical requirements of NER Schedules 5.2 and 5.3a, and the reasons for its recommendations. 18 stakeholders made submissions on this report.
• An addendum to the draft report (published 4 April 2023) setting out its draft recommendations for amendments to technical requirements of NER Schedule 5.3, and the reasons for its recommendations. 11 stakeholders made submissions on this report
• An update report (published 26 July 2023) setting out revised recommendations for amendments to technical requirements of NER Schedules 5.2 and 5.3a, the reasons for its recommendations, and initial proposed drafting of NER amendments that could give effect to the revised recommendations. 23 stakeholders made submissions on this report.

Stakeholder feedback on the above documents has informed AEMO’s final recommendations.

Engagement on Update Report

AEMO facilitated a public webinar forum on Wednesday 9 August 2023 to discuss the recommendations set out in its Update Report.

The webinar provided the:

• current status of the Review;
• an overview of revised recommendations of the Update Report; and t (Part 1)
• the opportunity for stakeholders to raise questions or issues regarding the revised recommendations.

Engagement on Draft Report

AEMO facilitated a public webinar forum on Wednesday 12 April 2023 to discuss the recommendations set out in its Draft Report. The webinar provided was facilitated to provide background, approach and current status of the Review; overview of recommendations made by the draft report and addendum; and the opportunity for stakeholders to raise questions or issues regarding the draft recommendations.

Documents