Key takeaway: The supply side of the model combines fuel costs, unit-level generation modelling, and storage dispatch with a capacity buildout that responds to economics — near-term from the project pipeline, long-term from a Capacity Expansion Model.
Generation capacities and output are modelled using a combination of near-term pipeline data and long-term capacity expansion optimisation. Each technology’s costs, availability, and bidding behaviour are covered on the pages below.
Minimum synchronous generation constraints
To maintain system security, the model enforces minimum synchronous generation requirements per NEM state, derived from AEMO’s inertia allocations. The effective requirement declines over time as synchronous condensers and grid-forming (GFM) battery storage are deployed, reducing the need for thermal plant commitment to meet inertia needs.
Commodity Prices
Gas, coal, and LGC price assumptions that drive generator costs
Thermal Generation
Modelling coal, gas, and other thermal generation technologies
Renewable Generation
Solar and wind bidding, profiles, and siting
Reservoir Hydro
Hydroelectric generation and storage modelling
Storage
Battery storage dispatch, costs, and the near-term pipeline
Capacity Buildout
The Capacity Expansion Model and the resulting long-term capacity mix