WSHPDR_2013_Final_Report-updated_version

• Limited access to finance.
• Opposition by environmental groups.
Embedded generators i.e. generating plants, including
some mini-hydro asset owners, with a capacity of
lower than 5 MW (or lower than 30 MW and
exporting less than 20 GWh/year to the grid) and
usually connected to the distribution grid have
previously experienced barriers to enter the National
Electricity Market (NEM). 5 The barriers are:
• Variable connection requirements depending on
the relevant jurisdictional regulator.
• Complex approval requirements.
• Complex registration and data collection
processes.
• Disproportionately high costs for registration and
high ongoing fees.
• Limited reward for reducing the need for network
investment.
• Fees for providing ancillary services.
References
1. Central Intelligence Agency (2012). The World
Factbook. Available from
www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worldfactbook/.
2. Australian Bureau of Statistics (2012). Year Book
Australia, 2012 – Australia’s Climate. Available from
www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Su
bject/1301.0~2012~Main%20Features~Australia's%20
climate~143.
3. Australian Energy Regulator (2012). State of the
Energy Market 2012. Available from
www.aer.gov.au/node/18959.
4. Clean Energy Council (2010). Clean Energy Australia:
The future is now. Melbourne. Report November
2010.
5. Harries, D. (2011). Hydroelectricity in Australia:
past, present and future. EcoGeneration, Issue of
March/April 2011.
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