Coronavirus: expertise tapped to keep the lights on
The electricity operator will hold talks with power market experts from overseas to understand how they have dealt with the pandemic.
Australia’s electricity operator will hold talks with power market experts from China, Europe and the US to understand how coronavirus-hit nations have dealt with threats from the pandemic.
The Australia Energy Market Operator, which runs the national electricity grid, is expected to speak with international peers and officials from countries including China that have already dealt with the fallout from the COVID-19 emergency.
While no issues with demand or supply are expected in the short term, the industry has been focused on putting plans in place to ensure the nation’s big power generators can continue to operate control rooms and operating environments in the event of critical staff contracting coronavirus.
Phone hook-ups have been held between AEMO and Australia’s generators and retailers over the past few weeks to ensure the industry can function properly should the pandemic be extended for a number of months.
“AEMO is in open dialogue with generators, gas facilities, network businesses and other market participants on their responses and preparedness for ensuring secure and reliable energy supply is maintained during this challenging period,” AEMO chief executive Audrey Zibelman said.
“In addition to Australian industry discussions, AEMO is working to bring international industry experience in managing through the pandemic to benefit the broader Australian power system, as we continue to address the evolving issues in Australia.”
Federal and state energy ministers will meet on Friday to ensure Australians still have secure access to power during the coronavirus pandemic.
Energy Minister Angus Taylor will now meet with his counterparts via a secure teleconference to reduce potential person-to-person spread of the disease. “I have prioritised the response to the COVID-19 pandemic on the COAG Energy Council agenda,” Mr Taylor said. “Our priority must be to ensure Australia is well placed to respond to energy supply disruptions, including electricity, gas and liquid fuels.
“I will continue to communicate with energy retailers, generators, transmission and market operators regarding their emergency management plans.”
AEMO said it would support federal and state governments in considering additional measures that might be required to support the security and reliability of the energy system.
“Australia’s energy systems and markets are currently operating in a safe and secure state,” Ms Zibelman said. “AEMO has activated its pandemic response and business continuity plans, including suspending travel, restricting physical interactions across our workforce, ceasing external meetings and conference participation, and taking additional steps to provide protection for critical system and market operations.”
Australia‘s energy market agency upgraded its assessment of the current challenges posed by electricity reliability to critical from moderate a year ago because of severe weather and ageing coal plants.
While supply is expected to remain tight during summer peaks, there is not expected to be any immediate demand issues as businesses across Australia send staff to work from home, reducing any strains on the network.