The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has proposed a rule change to enable dispatch instructions to include a limit on the number of inverters online at a connection point, and require newly connecting inverter-based resources (IBR) to be capable of receiving and complying with these instructions.
Our submission raises concerns that the proposal assumes limiting or disconnecting IBR is the best way to manage system strength, without distinguishing between grid-following (GFL) and grid-forming (GFM) inverter technology. This risks being counterproductive, given a growing share of new IBR, particularly grid-scale batteries, is GFM and net-positive for system strength.
We also highlight unresolved issues around costs, implementation timeframes, compliance and compensation, and recommend more targeted alternatives that address AEMO’s concerns without disconnecting technology that is helping to solve the system strength challenge.
Interested in contributing to similar work?
