R1 Capability Assessment

The R1 Capability Assessment workstream intended to provide greater certainty for proponents by clarifying assessment expectations and supporting a more consistent approach to registration activities.

The workstream focused on addressing long-standing industry concerns about the clarity of modelling and analysis requirements during the connection registration (R1) phase.

The workstream delivered the R1 Capability Assessment Guideline and R1 Capability Assessment Form, which support implementation of new requirements under the National Electricity Rules (NER) and provide a consistent framework for assessing a project's ability to meet its agreed performance standards.

The Guideline and Form are now part of the Registration Information Resource and Guidelines (RIRG) suite, and include:

• fit-for-purpose scoping (focus assessment on material changes made since 5.3.4A)
• methodology for assessing materiality and managing non-compliances
• pathways for conditional registration.

Background

In 2023, the Clean Energy Council lodged a rule change request, resulting in new rules to improve investment certainty by clarifying the process for assessing a generator’s ability to meet its performance standards, and removing barriers to revisions of generator performance standards.

To meet a new obligation under NER 5.3.7A, the project team co-designed the R1 Capability Assessment resources through a series of workshops, involving a cross-section of industry participants.