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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In our first AEMO On Air podcast for 2025, we dive into the AEMO Graduate Development Program — a game-changer for anyone looking to kickstart their career in the energy sector.

We chat with Maddison Demmler, AEMO Graduate Program Manager about the importance of graduate programs in today’s world and the role graduates can play in Australia's energy transition.

Plus, we hear from Zahra and Sasindu as they share their hands-on experiences and insights into life as a graduate.

To find out more about AEMO’s Graduate Development Program, or to apply, click here: https://bit.ly/40A1RQp

Interviewer: Paul Zennaro

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As WA transitions to net zero, natural gas continues to play a critical role in providing energy to homes and businesses.

In this week’s episode of AEMO On Air, we chat with AEMO’s Nicola Falcon, Interim Executive General Manager of WA, about the latest WA Gas Statement of Opportunities (GSOO) which reveals a strengthened near-term outlook compared to last year’s GSOO, with WA’s domestic gas supply expected to exceed consumption through to 2027.

Read the WA GSOO here: https://bit.ly/4fr2HnQ
View the WA GSOO overview here: https://bit.ly/402NeGp
Media release: https://bit.ly/3OYHB5J
Interviewer: Paul Zennaro

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