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Australia is playing a pivotal role in the global push towards decarbonisation, particularly within the electricity sector, which is seen as the most immediate avenue for reducing emissions. Central to this effort is the Global Power System Transformation (G-PST) Consortium, an international initiative that includes over three dozen power system operators and leverages AI/ML technologies to accelerate the integration of renewable energy into electricity grids.
Australia’s involvement is spearheaded by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). These organisations are driving the development of advanced technologies designed to manage the complexities of a renewable-powered grid.
A key focus of the G-PST Consortium is the modernisation of control rooms – the nerve centres of electricity networks. As renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, become more prevalent, the variability and unpredictability of these energy sources present significant challenges for grid operators.
To address these challenges, the G-PST is integrating advanced machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques into control room operations. These technologies are essential for processing the vast amounts of data generated by modern electricity networks, which now include millions of small-scale solar systems, wind turbines, and traditional power stations.
The CSIRO’s Energy Systems Digital Transformation team has been instrumental in developing an AI-based advisory system for AEMO’s control room. This system runs in parallel with existing technologies, providing operators with real-time insights that help prioritise critical alarms and streamline decision-making processes. The aim is to enable human operators to manage the grid more effectively, ensuring the stability, reliability, and security of the electricity supply as the proportion of variable renewable energy (VRE) increases.
Australia’s G-PST Research Roadmap highlights nine key research priorities for overcoming technical challenges in transitioning to a renewable energy grid. It includes developing new inverter designs to manage power fluctuations from renewables, enhancing grid stability tools, and advancing AI-driven forecasting and modelling tools for more accurate energy supply and demand predictions.
The research conducted under the G-PST initiative is not only crucial for Australia’s energy transition but also has significant implications for global decarbonisation efforts. By addressing the technical hurdles associated with integrating renewable energy into electricity grids, Australia is contributing to the development of solutions that can be applied worldwide.
This international collaboration is particularly important as the world moves towards the ambitious goal of tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030 – a commitment made by Australia and 117 other nations at the COP28 climate summit.
One of the most significant outcomes of Australia’s participation in the G-PST Consortium is the potential for job creation and economic growth. The transition to a low-emission electricity sector is expected to drive investment in new technologies and infrastructure, creating opportunities for innovation and employment. The Research Director of CSIRO’s Energy Systems Research Program highlighted that this transition could also lead to reduced energy costs for consumers, further driving the economic benefits of decarbonisation.
However, the path to a fully renewable-powered grid is not without challenges. The AEMO’s Quarterly Energy Dynamics Report revealed that while the potential energy from VRE sources in Australia met 99.7% of the National Electricity Market’s (NEM) requirements in the last quarter of 2023, actual renewable energy penetration peaked at only 72.1%. This discrepancy underscores the need for continued research and development to optimise renewable energy use within the grid.
Australia’s involvement in the G-PST Consortium and its commitment to advancing renewable energy integration through cutting-edge technology is a critical component of the global effort to decarbonise the electricity sector. Through international collaboration and innovative research, Australia is helping to pave the way for a sustainable energy future, both domestically and worldwide.
