The Clean Energy Council has praised what it says was improved collaboration between Ministers at yesterday’s COAG Energy Council meeting.
It seems there was a much better vibe at yesterday’s gathering compared to the emergency meeting that occurred in October, shortly after a storm event that plunged South Australia into darkness.
At yesterday’s meeting, the Ministers recognised the need to guide transition of the National Electricity Market (NEM) from what it is now to a new-technology driven and more distributed, low-emissions, flexible electricity system; one that also reflects changing consumer preferences.
“These reforms are complex and take time, but it’s great to see a sense of urgency from Energy Ministers,” said Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane Thornton.
Dr.Alan Finkel AO, Australia’s Chief Scientist, attended the meeting and updated Ministers on his recently released preliminary report on the future security of the National Electricity Market.
Dr. Finkel also mentioned the cost reductions occurring in new renewable energy technologies and rapid innovation in the energy storage sector, including new-generation battery systems.
After Dr. Finkel’s presentation, the Ministers agreed to fast-track the consideration of additional measures to make the National Electricity Market more robust and proof-of-concept projects related to energy security and reliability. These measures and projects will be considered at a COAG Energy Council meeting in February.
Mr. Thornton said Dr. Finkel’s recommendations have the potential to substantially improve Australia’s power grid and help realise the full potential of clean energy.
“Our old coal-fired power plants are closing and, while gas has a role to play during the transition, it is becoming increasingly expensive,” said Mr. Thornton
“New renewable energy investment and energy storage have the potential to put downward pressure on power prices.”
Other issues discussed at yesterday’s meeting included gas market reform, the Limited Merits Review and the National Energy Productivity Plan (NEPP).
Ministers also led a stakeholder roundtable with a hundred participants; discussing Dr. Finkel’s report, the AEMC’s interim report on electricity system security and Energy Consumers Australia’s efforts in reducing consumer disconnections.
Yesterday’s COAG Energy Council Meeting Communique can be viewed here (PDF).
