Powerlink actively engages with providers of non-network solutions to meet emerging power system needs, and identify suitable non-network solutions to reduce, defer or even replace the need for future transmission network investment, delivering better outcomes for our customers.
As Queensland’s electricity system transforms from thermal-based to renewable generation, Powerlink increasingly looks for new solutions to address power system security requirements such as inertia, system strength, and network support and control ancillary services (NSCAS).
Non-network solutions can also form part of an overall network reconfiguration strategy when a network asset has reached end-of-life to assist in achieving the right balance between reliability and the cost of transmission services.
See our Power System Security Consultations and Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T) pages for details of recent/current opportunities for proponents of non-network solutions.
Powerlink anticipates an increase in the number of non-network agreements in future, and that a range of technologies will be procured to provide solutions. Our Transmission Annual Planning Report identifies potential opportunities for future non-network solutions for our network over the next five years and where possible within the 10-year outlook period. Powerlink also welcomes discussions on these potential opportunities to inform the development of future regulatory consultations.
Network Support Contracting Framework
While the ultimate structure and content of any non-network support agreement will depend on the particular circumstances of the non-network support that may be proposed or provided, Powerlink’s Network Support Contracting Framework outlines the key contracting principles that are likely to appear in any non-network support agreement.
Non-network Engagement Stakeholder Register
Powerlink has also established the non-network engagement stakeholder register to convey details of potential non-network solution opportunities to providers of non-network solutions. Interested parties are encouraged to contact [email protected] to become a member of the register.
More information on Powerlink’s approach to stakeholder engagement for RIT-Ts, including for non-network solutions, is provided in the RIT-T stakeholder engagement matrix.