For now, incumbent generators (like coal) will need to meet the NEM ramping requirements. Provided that coal remains online with the current dispatchable capacity, there is likely to be sufficient capacity in reserve to meet the ramping requirements of the system albeit in an incremental way (every five minutes). However, as these units retire, something else will need to rise to meet these needs.
Looking at the current requirements in the NEM provide a useful example towards the types of technology needed. This Chart of the week looks at the the NEM-wide ramping requirement for synchronous dispatchable generation to meet the change in demand and VRE compared to one hour prior in FY2021 and FY2022 to date.
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