In July we hit the half-way mark in the development of the 2026 Integrated System Plan (ISP) with the publication of a number of key reports, including the Inputs, Assumptions and Scenarios Report (IASR) and the new Gas Infrastructure Options Report (GIOR).

The ISP is the strategic roadmap for Australia's National Electricity Market (NEM) and it outlines the investment and infrastructure required to meet government emissions and renewable energy targets and keep the lights on and the gas flowing.

In this episode of AEMO On Air, we talk to AEMO's outgoing EGM System Design, Merryn York (AM) about the development of the ISP and how the 2026 ISP will be different to the 2024 edition, including new gas considerations as well as consumer energy resources.

Merryn shares her rich experience and deep understanding of key issues, such as the role of government policy in the ISP as well as how consumers and new technologies are factored and modeled in this important report.

Read more about the 2026 ISP here: http://bit.ly/3VpxKc5
Interviewer: Catie Low

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AEMO’s latest Quarterly Energy Dynamics (QED) report shows renewable energy reached new highs in Q2 2025 across both the National Electricity Market (NEM) and Western Australia’s Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM).

In this episode of AEMO On Air, AEMO’s Manager of Market Insights, Kerry Galloway, unpacks the data behind a 38% renewable share in the NEM, record contributions in the WEM, and a major lift in battery output across both systems.

Kerry also explores how outages and variable conditions in June affected prices and increased reliance on gas-fired generation, and how emissions continued to fall despite rising demand.

Plus, what’s ahead for Australia’s energy future, with more than 53 GW of projects still progressing through the connection pipeline?

Read the QED here: http://bit.ly/45b7wyx  
Interviewer: Catie Low

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In this week’s episode of AEMO On Air, we welcome our new host, Dr Niraj (Nij) Lal – a Principal in the Future Energy Systems Group in AEMO System Design.
 
A passionate science communicator and energy expert, Nij is also a Visiting Fellow at ANU and a familiar voice to many Australian families through the ABC’s children’s science podcast ‘Imagine This’, as well as through his work on ‘Play School’, and ‘Catalyst’ programs.
 
In this episode, Nij shares his journey from solar cell physics at Cambridge to system planning at AEMO, what inspired him to join AEMO, and how his team contributes to managing Australia’s energy transition. He also breaks down the vital role of system security in keeping our energy system reliable – and gives a preview of the next three episodes he’ll be hosting.
 
Whether you’re an industry insider or simply energy curious, this episode is the perfect place to start.
 
Interviewer: Catie Low
Catch-up on our Transition for System Security episode here: www.buzzsprout.com/2319637/episodes/16666835
Listen to Nij on ABC’s ‘Imagine This’ podcast here: www.abc.net.au/kidslisten/programs/imagine-this

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In this week’s episode of AEMO On Air, we sit down with Edwina Knevett, Engineer – System Design, to explore AEMO’s second Enhanced Locational Information (ELI) report.

The report offers a lens to help future investment decisions across the National Electricity Market (NEM), providing critical locational insights to help navigate congestion, curtailment, and network losses as we transition from coal to renewables and firming.

To support informed planning, AEMO has consulted with stakeholders and adopted feedback, including the addition of future curtailment projections for hypothetical 300-megawatt projects in each location, under both near-term (2026–2028) and medium-term (2030–2035) outlooks.

Edwina unpacks what’s inside the report, where opportunities and risks lie, and how it complements AEMO’s broader suite of planning publications.

Download the 2025 ELI report here: http://bit.ly/3GClmSr
Feedback is welcome until Friday 1 August 2025: [email protected]
AEMO will host a webinar on Wednesday 23 July 2025 – register here: https://bit.ly/3U3vcje
News Update: http://bit.ly/4kvc6xw

Interviewer: Catie Low

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What makes Western Australia's power system so different – and what does the future hold?

In this episode of AEMO On Air, we’re joined by Katie McKenzie, Group Manager – WA System Design & Transformation, to break down the latest Wholesale Electricity Market Electricity Statement of Opportunities (WEM ESOO).

Katie unpacks the key findings from the report, dives into the unique design of WA’s standalone grid, and explores how emerging technologies are transforming the way we plan and operate power systems.

She explains why coal and gas were once considered “known quantities” and how inverter-based resources like solar, wind and batteries are changing the game – requiring more detailed modelling to ensure grid stability.

Tune in for an insightful look at the innovation, complexity and planning behind WA’s energy transition.

Read the 2025 WEM ESOO here: http://bit.ly/3G1m5fN
Interviewer: Catie Low

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In our latest episode of the AEMO On Air podcast, AEMO’s Manager of Market Insights, Kerry Galloway breaks down the Q1 2025 Quarterly Energy Dynamics (QED) report – highlighting record-breaking growth in renewable generation across the National Electricity Market (NEM).

Kerry also discusses how a change in fuel mix, led by higher renewable and battery generation and Australia’s world leading take-up of rooftop solar combined with lower coal-fired power output, led to the quarters record low emissions intensity – 5.7% below for the WEM and 5.1% for the NEM compared to the same period last year.

Read the QED here: https://bit.ly/3So5FAx
Interviewer: Catie Low

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In this episode of AEMO On Air, we spotlight two emerging leaders helping shape Australia’s energy future.
 
Join us as we sit down with Merry Hoang and Jaleel Mesbah, recipients of the Zema Energy Studies Scholarship – a world-class PhD program in partnership with Monash University.
 
This scholarship was created to honour AEMO’s founding CEO, Matt Zema, and is dedicated to supporting the next generation of energy leaders as they tackle the complex challenges facing Australia's energy sector.
 
Tune in to hear about how Merry and Jaleel’s PhD studies are driving innovation, advancing research, and building a more sustainable energy future.
 
Learn more about the Zema Energy Studies Scholarship: www.aemo.com.au/about/zema-energy-studies-scholarship
Information about applications to the Zema Energy Studies Scholarship: www.monash.edu/energy-institute/students/scholarships/zema-energy-studies-scholarship
Interviewer: Catie Low

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AEMO's Onboarding and Connections team plays a vital role in Australia's energy transition, connecting new generation and storage into our grid.

In this latest episode of AEMO On Air, we talk to Group Manager Onboarding and Connections, Margarida Pimentel about her team, the Connections Scorecard report and the importance of working closely with industry to bring new energy projects to life.

The latest Connections Scorecard shows that ~50 GW of new projects – equivalent to 70% of today's generation capacity in the NEM – are working through the connection process: bit.ly/3CGzEQ7

Interviewer: Catie Low

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Last year, AEMO released its first Transition Plan for System Security, mapping out how we will contribute to maintaining power system security as the National Electricity Market (NEM) and WA’s Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM) move toward a world without coal fired power stations.

In this episode of AEMO On Air, we chat with Chris Mock, Manager of Engineering Strategy – System Design, about the role of the plan and its outlined considerations for maintaining system security across three-time horizons – ensuring the transition is smooth, secure, and sustainable for all Australians.

Read the Transition Plan for System Security here: https://bit.ly/4kak4Nj
View the Transition Plan for System Security Infographic here: https://bit.ly/4bhTUo4
Media release: https://bit.ly/41q1KbM

Interviewer: Catie Low

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In the last quarter of 2024 the National Electricity Market hit new demand records, while the contribution of coal fired generation dipped below 50% for the first time. 

In this episode we dive into the insights from the Q4 Quarterly Energy Dynamics (QED) report with AEMO’s Manager of Market Insights, Kerry Galloway.

Kerry breaks down the key takeaways from the report, including the surge in renewable energy contributions, highlighting the transformation of Australia’s energy system.  She discusses how east coast wholesale gas prices rose to $13.60/GJ, driven by record Queensland LNG exports and increased gas-fired electricity generation. While increased battery storage in Western Australia helped the state hit a new quarterly average renewable contribution record of 46% and a renewable peak of 85%.

Interviewer: Paul Zennaro
Read the QED here: https://bit.ly/3NJp2Sk

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