Decarbonising the Southwest interconnected system (SWIS)

The presentation will be based on the analysis of the operation of the SWIS in 2030 after the existing coal fired units are retired. The analysis will draw upon a Monte Carlo energy balance simulation of the system at that time. The simulation uses actual data from 2022 for wind and solar performance, and applies that data to the SWIS in 2030 as forecast by AEMO. 

The analysis explores a range of factors and outcomes, including various amounts of wind, solar, battery storage, electric vehicles and pumped storage. The results of the analysis are used to forecast the likely adequacy of the reliability of the SWIS in 2030 without the use of coal. The analysis makes some observations of the potential costs associated with various strategies, the likely impact on electricity charges and the strategies that Government may have to adopt once the ramifications of the retirement of the coal fired units is recognised. 

The analysis outlines the range of future gas quantities required as fuel by the SWIS after 2030, and discusses the capacity of the Dampier to Bunbury Pipeline in that context. The presentation will not discuss global warming, nuclear power, SMR nuclear or hydrogen, but will focus on the near-term issues for energy security in the SWIS without the use of coal.

Speakers

Biography

Mark Chatfield Mark Chatfield is an electrical engineer with extensive experience in the energy sector over 40 years. His work experience included: 

• Joined SECWA in 1976, at Kwinana Power Station, where he was involved in the commissioning and operation of the Station as a coal, gas and oil fired facility. 
• Generation planning in the System Development Division • Demand management in the System Development Division.
• Seconded to the Aluminium Smelter Task Force • Gas and coal fuel analysis at the time of the introduction of gas from the Carnarvon Basin in 1984.
• Project Manager of the purchase of a SCADA system for the Dampier to Bunbury Gas Pipeline.
• Seconded to the ‘Carnegie Review’ of the future structure of the energy industry in Western Australia, in 1992/93.
• Joined AMPOLEX in 1993 to participate in the deregulation of the gas market in WA.
• Joined Mobil in 1996 after its takeover of Ampolex, as the initial marketing representative for Gorgon LNG.
• Rejoined Western Power in1999 as General Manager of the Generation Division.
• From 2004 to 2007 was CEO of CS Energy in Queensland.
• From 2007 to 2010 was Commercial lead at Aviva Corp in Perth.
• From 2011 to 2016 was Executive Director of ACIL Allen Consulting in Perth.
• Served on the Board of Synergy.
• Retired 2016.