Electricity networks globally are experiencing significant increases in the volume of renewable capacity as countries seek to decarbonize their power sectors without impacting security of supply. The scale of this change is creating new challenges for power networks and those responsible for keeping the lights on.
The latest insight paper from Cornwall Insight – Market design amidst global energy transition – looks into this issue. It examines the outlook for transmission networks and how legacy design and policies are supporting decarbonization and shaping the system. The paper focuses on three key markets; Australia, Ireland and Great Britain.
Australia’s main priority is to enhance transmission capacity and network efficiency; without this, the transmission system will be a barrier to growth for decentralized flexibility and renewables. In contrast, Britain and Ireland benefit from interconnection with other national markets. This provides them with additional levers that can be pulled to manage system security and supply. However, they are still trying to hone and optimize network flexibility in light of steepening decarbonization objectives.
Unsurprisingly, renewables have been growing in all three markets, with this expected to continue for the foreseeable future. Many of these projects are often located in places where network infrastructure is not as well developed, creating pressure on system operation as a result.
In all three markets, unit charges are rising, driven by a reduced charging base as decentralized energy grows quickly. This combination of changes is leading to network congestion as transmission network development struggles to keep up and flexibility markets are being optimized and changed.
In summary, reforms are ongoing in each jurisdiction to accommodate the rapid physical transformation of the generation mix. Each has its objectives and tensions which are reflective of wider global reform programs being undertaken in most developed, liberalized and decarbonizing energy markets.
Gareth Miller, CEO of Cornwall Insight, said: “Despite differences in market design and characteristics, all three markets are grappling with similar issues that come from committing to deep decarbonization. This includes the most appropriate methods for charging for networks, managing access to them and dealing with issues such as network congestion and constraint.
“In all three countries, renewable projects are often placed in isolated locations away from the traditional infrastructure that is closer to demand. However, as renewable growth is set to continue, the networks will need to transition from being demand-centric to more supply orientated.
“System operators and stakeholders will need to continually evaluate their market structures and designs to alleviate issues surrounding locational congestion and grid stability. Each market is at a very different stage in the process in trying to improve any problems implementing solutions to allow for higher efficiencies in renewable energy integration.
“It is uncertain whether any of the proposed changes will fundamentally resolve the issues that come with increased renewables on the system. However, despite marked differences, they certainly could all learn from each other and elements of their network arrangements.”
