AM Warnings on power station closures
Nov 30, 2025
Daniel Westerman, Chief Executive of the Australian Energy Market Operator, shares insights on Australia's energy future. He raises alarms about the unpreparedness of the electricity grid for the 2027 closure of the Araring coal-fired power station. Westerman highlights the importance of synchronous condensers and discusses the dual transition of retiring coal and increasing rooftop solar. He also addresses potential risks of outages while emphasizing collaborative efforts to ensure a smooth transition and the inevitable retirement of ageing coal plants.
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Grid Not Ready For Major Coal Closures
- AEMO warns the grid isn't ready for large coal closures without more investment in system security.
- The Transition Plan for System Security maps necessary collective actions over the next decade.
System Security Is About The Grid's Heartbeat
- System security focuses on maintaining a stable grid 'heartbeat' through shocks and transitions.
- The solutions are well understood, but they require timely investment and coordination.
Rooftop Solar Creates New Stability Needs
- Rooftop solar adds complexity by occasionally flooding the grid with excess generation.
- Batteries and planned transition tools can manage these events if deployed correctly.