Power system design considerations for renewable energy zones

Australia is undergoing a fast energy transition. Following the federal government’s commitment of ‘net zero’ emissions by 2050, more coal-fired generator units have announced early retirements. In addition to the development of more renewable generation, new transmission assets are needed to deliver the energy to the load centres. The New South Wales (NSW) government has identified five renewable energy zones (REZs) within the state and has been actively coordinating investments since 2020 through the Energy Corporation of NSW. The REZs are complex and multi-faceted, involving a combination of careful strategic planning, technical and regulatory design, community engagement and industry-focused policies and programs.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this webinar you will gain a deeper understanding of REZs and key power system design challenges and considerations including:

• The intermittent nature of renewable generation.
• REZ integration to HV networks.
• Generation capacity reserve.
• System resilience.
• REZ network infrastructure configuration.
• Voltage control strategy.
• System strength assessment.

Event program

In-person:

• 5.30 pm AEST: Networking and refreshments
• 6.00 pm AEST: Presentation commences
• 7.00 pm AEST: Presentation concludes for further networking

Online:

• 6.00 pm AEST: Webinar commences
• 7.00 pm AEST Webinar concludes

About the speaker 

Lulu Shao

Director Power Systems, Technical Advisory Services – Project Delivery

Biography

Lulu is the Director of Power Systems in Energy Corporation of NSW. Lulu advises the technical aspects of developing NSW Renewable Energy Zone projects. Lulu was the planning lead on major transmission projects including interconnector upgrades from NSW to Queensland and Victoria, and upgrades to increase transmission capacity in southern NSW when she was working in Transgrid. Lulu has 15 years’ experience in power system planning, power electronics and engineering design. Lulu represents Energy Corporation in industry working groups. She holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering with First Class Honours from the University of Auckland.