Proa delivers first solar farm self-forecast approved by Australian Energy Market Operator

Update: news announced by AEMO: https://energylive.aemo.com.au/News/AEMO-approves-first-solar-farm-forecast

Proa is now delivering the first solar farm self-forecast to be approved by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) for dispatch of the National Electricity Market (NEM).

Proa’s solar self-forecasts for the 95 MW Tailem Bend Solar Project in South Australia, made in partnership with Vena Energy Australia, owner and operator of the solar farm, are the first to be accepted into AEMO’s centralised dispatch process that orchestrates power generation across southern and eastern Australia.

“Proa is proud to be the first to pass AEMO’s rigorous assessment for forecast accuracy and reliability. This achievement demonstrates Proa’s quality and innovation,”, said Dr. Victor Depoorter, Proa’s Technical Director. “Providing more accurate forecasts of solar and wind generation means that all other assets across the NEM are used more efficiently. This enhances system security, reduces electricity prices and reduces emissions. The first self-forecast provided by a renewable generator is a significant milestone for Australia’s energy industry.”

“Solar farms themselves strongly benefit from providing self-forecasts through improved operations and reduced FCAS costs.”

The ability for solar and wind farms to submit self-forecasts for NEM dispatch was made possible through a partnership between the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and AEMO. Previously, solar and wind forecasts were only made by AEMO itself. Proa also leads a 2 year ARENA funded project to demonstrate its new solar forecasting technology at three other solar farms: Kidston and Oakey 1 in Queensland and Bannerton in Victoria, with $728k ARENA funding and total project budget of $1.4M.

Victor Depoorter said: “Proa also gratefully acknowledges our partner Vena Energy Australia. Companies like Vena Energy are leading the clean energy transition, and on innovative projects such as this are working make that transition faster and more secure for all.”

The Proa Forecasting System integrates geostationary satellite imaging, on-site cloud imaging and other data to provide highly accurate forecasts of solar generation from 5 minutes up to 7 days ahead. Proa is now working to integrate other solar farms into AEMO dispatch, whilst also continuing to deploy and improve its forecasting algorithms.