Energy Insiders Podcast: Have regulators gone too far on “system strength”?

Highly respected power systems expert Bruce Miller, a senior consultant with Advisian, questions why new wind and solar plants are required to install synchronous condensers, and questions other regulatory thinking about frequency and voltage.

Miller has written extensively on some of the so-called “problems” that Australia faces as it transitions from synchronous generators to a grid based around wind, solar and various forms of storage. Some of his writings can be found here on RenewEconomy, and also on his LinkedIn page.

Miller is concerned that regulators – particularly those without expertise in power systems – have over-stepped the mark on issues like system strength. He questions why new wind and solar farms are required to install equipment like synchronous condensers, and is highly critical of new rules that affect frequency and voltage, and the management of marginal loss factors.

This is an excellent episode for those keen to learn more about some of the core issues facing the grid. Can we transition to 100 per cent renewables, we ask. Of course we can, Miller says, but it might end up being more costly if we don’t get the rules and regulations right.

You can find this and more episodes of Energy Insiders, as well as our other podcasts including the EV-focused The Driven and Solar Insiders here or on our favourite podcast platform.