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Market, investment and grid

Focusing on the economic, technical and regulatory environment that underpins the National Electricity Market and the power system.

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Video by Christaan Zuur on the Capacity Investment Scheme

A grid-ready Australia

Maintaining stability while connecting renewables to the grid is critically important and extremely complex, particularly when considering other factors such as storage technologies and ever-evolving technical standards.

An initiative bringing together our members, network service providers, industry stakeholders and the Australian Energy Market Operator to address concerns over the delays and increasing complexity of grid connection.

The market rules were designed to consider very few generators connecting to the grid. With renewable energy, there are many generators wanting to connect each year. This level of inquiries can lead to extensive bottlenecks and delays in connecting generators that provide critical energy to consumers.

The Connections Reform Initiative represents an unprecedented level of industry cooperation and is an example of good planning to address the gaps in the current regulatory environment. 

We collaborate with market bodies and governments to inform policy design that adequately incentivises the renewable energy industry. 

One of the most ambitious investment packages, the Capacity Investment Scheme, will ensure Australia reaches the Federal Government's target of 82 per cent renewable energy by 2030. 

We also work closely with state governments as they develop Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) and investment support schemes such as Long-Term Energy Service Agreements in New South Wales. 

We have a strong investment focus, making sure macro trends are reflected and inform policy making.

WA design paper – Capacity Investment Scheme
17 Jul 2024

WA design paper – Capacity Investment Scheme

The Clean Energy Council considers there could be a risk of misalignment of the WA Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) and Reserve Capacity Mechanism (RCM) process.
Expanded Capacity Investment Scheme Design Paper Submission
26 Mar 2024

Expanded Capacity Investment Scheme Design Paper Submission

Our submission on the Design paper for the expanded Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS).
Capacity Investment Scheme Consultation Submission
04 Sep 2023

Capacity Investment Scheme Consultation Submission

The Clean Energy Council welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Capacity Investment Scheme consultation

We work to modernise the regulatory environment, helping Australia connect clean energy projects.

It is important to make the most of the existing grid, advocating for improvements that reduce the need for the expensive rollout of major transmission infrastructure. 

Equally important is for Integrated System Plan major projects to be supported to deliver critical infrastructure as the power system transitions to high levels of renewable energy generation. 

The balance between the two, with support from technical standards and novel technologies, has long-term value for consumers, ensuring energy prices remain predictable during the energy transition. 

Clean Energy Council submission on Electricity Transmission Service Standards Incentive Scheme
17 Jul 2024

Clean Energy Council submission on Electricity Transmission Service Standards Incentive Scheme

The Clean Energy Council agrees that the market impact component (MIC) and network capability component (NCC) of the Service Transmission Target Performance Incentive Scheme (STPIS) need to be reviewed. We also agree with the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) analysis that indicates the MIC is not working as intended and the NCC is being under-utilised.
Fixing the System Strength Frameworks Discussion Paper
19 Mar 2024

Fixing the System Strength Frameworks Discussion Paper

System strength unlocks the capabilities of renewables, and is central to delivering cheap, reliable, zero carbon electricity supply to consumers.
Clean Energy Council Comment On The Efficient Provision Of Inertia Rule Change
12 Apr 2023

Clean Energy Council Comment On The Efficient Provision Of Inertia Rule Change

The Clean Energy Council has recommended the development of a market to drive investment in renewable technologies to support better frequency control. This market will reward renewables for controlling the 'rate of change of frequency', which is key to keeping the system stable during major disturbance events, like the loss of a large thermal coal generator.

The stability of the power system requires a combination of energy storage technologies. In addition to battery energy storage, we are also focused on alternative long duration storage (ALDES) solutions. The extensive portfolio of ALDES technologies includes compressed air, pumped hydro, gravity storage, metal air batteries, redox flow batteries, thermal batteries, concentrated solar with energy storage and chemical energy storage using hydrogen. 

The functions of these diverse technologies will ensure Australia’s power system is strong, secure, reliable and affordable in the long-term. 

Hydropower: The Backbone of a Reliable Renewable Energy System
17 Nov 2021

Hydropower: The Backbone of a Reliable Renewable Energy System

Understand the benefits of hydropower and how it can provide the backbone necessary for Australia's clean energy transition.
Battery Storage: The New, Clean Peaker
10 Apr 2021

Battery Storage: The New, Clean Peaker

This report outlines the benefits of using large-scale batteries for electricity peaking services.

Reforming the transmission network in Australia is complex and ongoing. Delays in transmission development are hindering the transition to net zero and driving up power prices. To enable a smooth transition, networks need to install more than 10,000 kilometres of new transmission lines to ensure we can connect the renewable generation our system will need.

We work with governments and industry bodies, alongside our members, to facilitate the best possible reforms that benefit industry and incentivise investment while accelerating the clean energy transition.

Submission In Response To The Energy Security Board's Transmission Access Reform Consultation Paper
26 May 2023

Submission In Response To The Energy Security Board's Transmission Access Reform Consultation Paper

The Clean Energy Council welcomes the opportunity to provide a submission in response to the Energy Security Board's Transmission Access Reform consultation paper
Report Highlights Need for Transmission Investment Reform
04 Aug 2022

Report Highlights Need for Transmission Investment Reform

A market-sounding report commissioned by the Clean Energy Council and Energy Networks Australia highlights the critical need to solve transmission challenges to unlock Australia’s energy transition.

$4.9 bn

new financial commitments to large-scale storage in 2023 (AUD$)

$21.23 bn

total investment in renewable generation projects (AUD$) as of 31 Dec 2023

Market, Investment and Grid is focused on the economic, technical, and regulatory environment that underpins the National Electricity Market and power system, and the policy reform challenges faced by renewable energy generation and storage.

This includes representing our members' interests to government agencies and market bodies (AEMO, AEMC, AER, ESB/EAP), providing concise and comprehensive analysis of the key regulatory and technical trends, and facilitating direct engagement for our members with all key stakeholders.

Members can log in to read more:


Join the Market, Investment and Grid Directorate

The majority of our policy work is developed with our Members in Directorates, with smaller working groups and committees tackling specific challenges.
Christiaan Zuur

POLICY AND ADVOCACY

Meet the Director

Christiaan Zuur Director, Market, Investment and Grid
The transition to 100 per cent renewables is first and foremost a challenge of economics and engineering, which I'm excited to tackle with some of the best minds in the business and find a way forward.

Become a Clean Energy Council member

As a member of the Clean Energy Council you can join our directorates and working groups, and add your voice to about 1,000 other members shaping the direction of the clean energy industry. Together, we can accelerate the energy transition and bring the benefits of renewables to all Australians.
Become a Clean Energy Council member
Events

Join the industry leaders

If your organisation is interested in clean energy workforce developments in Australia, register now for these upcoming events.
Australian Clean Energy Summit 2024

Australian Clean Energy Summit 2024

16 Jul - 17 Jul 2024
Careers for Net Zero QLD Roadshow

Careers for Net Zero QLD Roadshow

06 Aug - 14 Aug 2024
All Energy Australia 2024

All Energy Australia 2024

23 Oct - 24 Oct 2024
Women in Renewables Lunch at All Energy Australia 2024

Women in Renewables Lunch at All Energy Australia 2024

23 Oct 2024