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The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has responded to claims that its cost assessment of renewables does not include transmission and storage, stating that these claims are incorrect. Conservative media, including the Murdoch press, has been suggesting that AEMO’s planning blueprint, the Integrated System Plan, and the GenCost report fail to consider system costs. Recent articles attacking these reports seem to be part of a broader campaign against renewables and in favor of small modular reactor technologies.

AEMO has issued a media statement refuting these claims, stating that the Integrated System Plan does indeed include transmission and storage costs, and provides a comprehensive analysis of the generation mix, fuel prices, and different storage options. The latest ISP, released in 2022, involved extensive stakeholder engagement and economic modeling.

According to AEMO, the plan demonstrates that a combination of new renewables, transmission infrastructure, and storage technologies like batteries and pumped hydro provides the most cost-effective way to supply electricity in Australia as coal-fired generation retires. Although the ISP does not model nuclear technologies due to existing laws, the GenCost report includes all available forms of generation, including nuclear, and shows that nuclear is higher cost and has a longer lead time compared to renewables backed by storage and transmission.

The opposition to renewables is fueled by politicians pushing for nuclear energy, such as Opposition leader Peter Dutton, and former National leader Barnaby Joyce. The misinformation campaign against renewables has gained traction on social media, leading to misunderstandings about wind power and hindering discussions about green energy opportunities.

Overall, AEMO emphasizes that its assessments consider all relevant costs and that wind, solar, and storage remain the most cost-effective option for Australia’s energy transition. The misinformation spread by conservative media and social media platforms poses challenges for the renewables industry, but AEMO and other experts continue to advocate for the economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy.

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