Electricity Engineers' Association Review of AEMO Technical Integration of Distributed Energy Resources - Improving DER capabilities to benefit consumers and the power system - a report and consultation paper (March 2019)

Abstract

Executive Summary AEMO has invited the EEA to review its draft March 2019 report and consultation paper, and intends to submit its report, which calls for a review of AS/NZS 4777.2, to the relevant standard committee. The EEA is a stake-holder in the AS/NZS 4777 standard series, and provides this review, which is not intended to be comprehensive, to AEMO. The AEMO report identifies that DER behaviour during power system disturbances in the National Electricity Market (NEM) is already influential in power system security outcomes. The AEMO report has placed initial focus on inverter-connected DER, and therefore the inverter-based performance standards. Areas of incorporation of international standards into AS/NZS 4777.2, and of closer alignment of AS/NZS 4777.2 to these inverter standards, are proposed. A substantial number of proposed parameters for revision or introduction are listed. Key areas including disturbance ride-through and grid support are identified and described in detail, supported by compelling arguments including benefits to consumers. Given that NZ has a very low level of distributed PV, it could be argued that the need to review AS/NZS 4777.2 is less urgent for NZ. However, the penetration level in NZ could rise to be significant over time, and thus the EEA, DNSPs, and other organizations in NZ are planning for this. There are good reasons to review AS/NZS 4777.2 and to support AEMO’s proposed amendments. The benefits, described in the AEMO report, of reviewing AS/NZS 4777.2 are compelling. Keeping AS/NZS 4777.2 relevant and consistent with international practice is important. Low distributed PV levels in NZ, in fact, present an opportunity to further develop the AS/NZS 4777 series and associated relevant standards, to eventually build a nation-wide distributed PV capacity in which the vast majority of installed inverters operate under the very best international practice. In conclusion, the EEA welcomes AEMO’s DER report and consultation paper, and supports AEMO’s submission of this report to the AS/NZS 4777.2 standard committee.