The draft Integrated System Plan (ISP) is a significant shift from the previous plan. The strong focus on building a path to a renewable-led energy system is to be highly commended. As ATSE has previously argued, Australia should get to net-zero emissions by 2035 (ATSE, 2023) and the National Electricity Market will be a central aspect of that transition. Nonetheless, it is important to ensure that this transition be managed to maintain a consistent supply to consumers and manage emerging risks. Many of these risks are typical for any large infrastructure project, but unique risks such as the impacts of climate change on hydro generation and pumped hydro storage, and the competition for hardware as all nations push towards net-zero emissions, need to be managed. Building a clear social licence for new generation, storage and transmission infrastructure will be essential to ensuring projects are not delayed or prevented by local communities who have not been engaged in the energy transition.
ATSE makes the following recommendations to strengthen and support implementation of the ISP:
Recommendation 1: Ensure contingencies for cost increases, operational delays and changing climate are built into planning for reaching emissions reductions targets.
Recommendation 2: Maintain a technology neutral approach and engage with emerging technologies as they become commercially viable.
Recommendation 3: Target the development of renewable energy zones in locations where the development of renewable energy, and its associated transmission infrastructure, can provide positive social impact to local communities.
Recommendation 4: Integrate new energy generation with local industries to help articulate the benefits to local communities.
Recommendation 5: Establish clear market mechanisms and investment plans for the development of firming technologies like medium-/long-term storage and firming gas generation.