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Available Episodes

5 of 23

From solar cell physics to energy security: Meet your new host Dr Nij Lal
In this week’s episode of AEMO On Air, we welcome our new host, Dr Niraj (Nij) Lal – a Principal in the Future Energy Systems Group in AEMO System Design. A passionate science communicator and energy expert, Nij is also a Visiting Fellow at ANU and a familiar voice to many Australian families through the ABC’s children’s science podcast ‘Imagine This’, as well as through his work on ‘Play School’, and ‘Catalyst’ programs. In this episode, Nij shares his journey from solar cell physics at Cambridge to system planning at AEMO, what inspired him to join AEMO, and how his team contributes to managing Australia’s energy transition. He also breaks down the vital role of system security in keeping our energy system reliable – and gives a preview of the next three episodes he’ll be hosting. Whether you’re an industry insider or simply energy curious, this episode is the perfect place to start. Interviewer: Catie LowCatch-up on our Transition for System Security episode here: www.buzzsprout.com/2319637/episodes/16666835Listen to Nij on ABC’s ‘Imagine This’ podcast here: www.abc.net.au/kidslisten/programs/imagine-thisLinkedIn | X | Facebook
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15:44
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15:44
Locational insights for a future NEM: Inside the 2025 ELI report
In this week’s episode of AEMO On Air, we sit down with Edwina Knevett, Engineer – System Design, to explore AEMO’s second Enhanced Locational Information (ELI) report.The report offers a lens to help future investment decisions across the National Electricity Market (NEM), providing critical locational insights to help navigate congestion, curtailment, and network losses as we transition from coal to renewables and firming.To support informed planning, AEMO has consulted with stakeholders and adopted feedback, including the addition of future curtailment projections for hypothetical 300-megawatt projects in each location, under both near-term (2026–2028) and medium-term (2030–2035) outlooks.Edwina unpacks what’s inside the report, where opportunities and risks lie, and how it complements AEMO’s broader suite of planning publications.Download the 2025 ELI report here: http://bit.ly/3GClmSrFeedback is welcome until Friday 1 August 2025: [email protected] AEMO will host a webinar on Wednesday 23 July 2025 – register here: https://bit.ly/3U3vcje News Update: http://bit.ly/4kvc6xwInterviewer: Catie LowLinkedIn | X | Facebook
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19:11
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19:11
Powering WA: Challenges, Change & the WEM ESOO
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/3G1m5fNInterviewer: Catie LowLinkedIn | X | Facebook
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26:21
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26:21
Record Renewables and Lower Emissions: Breaking Down Q1 2025 Energy Trends
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/3So5FAxInterviewer: Catie LowLinkedIn | X | Facebook
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20:28
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20:28
Energy leaders of the future: a spotlight on the Zema Energy Studies Scholarship
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-scholarshipInformation about applications to the Zema Energy Studies Scholarship: www.monash.edu/energy-institute/students/scholarships/zema-energy-studies-scholarshipInterviewer: Catie LowLinkedIn | X | Facebook
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29:21
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29:21