Energy market operator AEMO has warned delays in transmission projects and looming retirements of coal generators risk blackouts in future.
AEMO plans to bid for "reliability reserves" to shore up the market in NSW and Victoria over summer, such as paying for additional generation or for large energy users to reduce demand. AEMO notes its forecasts deliberately do not consider a large number of publicly announced projects, even if they have been granted state or federal contracts, because they are not yet advanced enough.One of the most significant looming pressures on the grid is the closure of Origin's Eraring Power Station near Newcastle, scheduled for mid-2025.
"There are projects scheduled to commence operating and meet energy demand this summer. With AEMO procuring interim reserves, we can be confident of ongoing reliability across higher demand periods, even if anticipated projects are delayed."'Imminent and urgent investment' required as national energy grid faces reliability fears ahead of hot summer