Overview
Powerlink is undertaking a business transformation program that aims to establish its next generation of network operations.
The Next Generation Network Operations (NGNO) Program will transform the way we operate our network, continually improving Queensland’s transmission network performance to better adapt to changes in the energy environment.
It will change the way we operate our network by:
- introducing contemporary network operation capabilities through the utilisation of leading-edge, best-practice technologies,
- automating processes for routine activities, and,
- improving the safety, security and reliability of electricity provision for our customers.
NGNO will bring this vision to life from the operations centre to the field, connecting our industry partners and customers by:
- Operating as one Powerlink: Controllers and filed operations will be supported by advanced electronic means of executing switching instructions with a clear and aligned view of the network.
- Collaboration across the ecosystem: The control room will be enabled with digital tools to work more collaboratively with Operations Technology SMEs, supporting ancillary systems that enable protection, control and visibility.
- Situational awareness: Improving situational awareness in the control room to provide information and insights both in real time and to predict operational challenges looking forward.
- Right information, right time: Leverage common mechanisms to access information and insights across field operations and Control Centre for consistent and timely decision making.
To find out more about the NGNO Program, contact Powerlink at [email protected]
NGNO program project overviews
The following key streams of work form part of the NGNO Program:
The Powerlink Energy Management System is the core technology platform for the safe and efficient real-time operation of the transmission network. The replacement of the EMS is an important step in meeting the challenges of the changing electricity environment.
The AEMS Project is the core project within the NGO Program. The initiatives in this stream will establish:
- an upgraded EMS with contemporary mechanisms to control and operate the network
- new capabilities to forecast and predict network contingencies
- enhanced end-to-end visibility of operational network information.
The Enabling Software initiatives will focus on improved operational network performance including the introduction of new tools and process, and enhanced collaboration between teams to:
- manage and investigate network incidents delivering an enterprise wide view of current and emerging incidents,
- predict and manage planned network outages using rapid, real-time information
- new essential interfaces between EMS and SCADA master data
- a shift to automated switching and reduction in manual data entry across systems.
The Foundations initiatives will focus on ensuring Powerlink’s infrastructure and working environments can:
- align with industry best practice to meet the requirements of an increasingly complex operating environment which are creating higher demands for integrated processes and situational awareness
- provide effective and collaborative working spaces which focus on ergonomics, acoustic attenuation, and workplace health and safety with a focus on collaboration and employee wellbeing
- deliver a dedicated Test Lab where investigation and assessment of new operational technologies and hardware can be facilitated prior to deployment, as well as an AEMS Training Facility
- improve and uplift our existing business continuity sites to improve network operations resilience and reduce operational risk.