Power System Engineering for NEM Grid Connection
EPEC Group provides specialist power systems engineering to support grid-connected generation projects across the National Electricity Market. Working within the framework of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and the National Electricity Rules (NER), we guide projects from early-stage connection strategy (R0) through registration (R1), commissioning and ongoing compliance.
These services form a core part of EPEC’s end-to-end delivery model—integrating connection approvals and detailed engineering into a single, coordinated pathway that reduces technical risk and minimises rework between R0 and R1.
Our expertise spans Generator Performance Standards (GPS), NER 5.3.9 alterations, hybrid plant integration, synchronous generation, protection engineering and power quality studies. Using industry-standard tools including PSCAD, PSS®E and PowerFactory, we deliver validated models and compliant technical documentation aligned with AEMO and Network Service Provider requirements.
Streamlined R0 to R1 Connection Pathway
An integrated connection pathway helps streamline the journey from early project development through to commissioning and ongoing operations. By aligning the key stages of the connection and registration process, the approach reduces duplication of work and minimises the need for repeated model updates between R0 and R1.
This coordinated process also improves communication between project teams, network service providers, and market bodies, creating greater clarity around requirements and expectations. The result is a more efficient pathway that supports faster approvals, stronger stakeholder alignment, and a smoother transition from development through to project delivery and long-term operation.
- Fewer model revisions
- Faster approvals
- Clearer stakeholder engagment
Integrated Grid Connection Engineering
End-to-end engineering expertise across the full connection lifecycle, from early design through to commissioning. Delivering seamless, efficient outcomes at every stage of the project.
Connection Application Services (R0) — Grid Studies & GPS
EPEC Group provides end-to-end Connection Application (R0) services to support renewable energy developers navigating the National Electricity Rules (NER) and network connection requirements.
Our power systems engineering team delivers detailed network analysis and modelling using industry-standard tools including PSCAD, PSS/E, PowerFactory, SSAT and SINCAL. We guide projects from pre-enquiry through to connection application, supporting the development of Generator Performance Standards (GPS) and technical documentation aligned with AEMO and Network Service Provider (NSP) requirements.
By integrating R0 activities into a complete connection pathway—from pre-enquiry through registration, testing and compliance—we reduce technical risk and minimise changes between R0 and R1.
Key R0 capabilities:
- Power system studies and modelling to assess technical feasibility, system strength and inverter-based resource performance (solar, wind, BESS and compensation devices).
- Generator Performance Standards development and negotiation with AEMO and NSPs, including support through the 5.3.4A approval process.
- Regulatory navigation and compliance support to streamline approvals and reduce project risk.
- R0 to R1 transition management to minimise rework and accelerate financial close and construction readiness.
Connection Registration (R1) for AEMO & NSP Approval
EPEC’s Connection Registration (R1) services ensure a smooth transition from connection acceptance to generation registration. We provide high-quality technical documentation, validated power system studies and coordinated stakeholder engagement to support AEMO and NSP approval.
Our team prepares R1 submissions, manages technical queries, and ensures alignment with R0 commitments—reducing approval risk and accelerating commissioning readiness.
Key R1 capabilities:
- Preparation of complete and compliant R1 documentation packages
- Development and validation of R1-ready PSCAD and PSS/E models aligned with AEMO guidelines
- Technical engagement with AEMO and NSPs to resolve queries efficiently
- Quality assurance to minimise material change risk and rework, avoid material change issues, and support timely progression toward commissioning and R2.
Generator Alterations Under NER 5.3.9
EPEC provides full technical, modelling and regulatory support for generator alterations under NER 5.3.9. We deliver clear submissions, validated models and technical justification to ensure alterations are approved efficiently and without operational disruption.
Where appropriate, we assess alternative regulatory pathways (e.g. NER 4.14(p), S5.2.2) to optimise approval timelines and scope.
Key capabilities:
- Impact Assessment: EPEC Group assess the proposed change to determine if it triggers the NER 5.3.9 process and identify any potential system impacts.
- Alteration Document Preparation: The team at EPEC Group work through to develop a clear, structured submission outlining the change, its technical basis, and updated plant information.
- Model and Study Updates: Update PSSE/PSCAD models and complete any required studies to show continued compliance with performance and operational requirements.
- AEMO and NSP Engagement: Manage technical discussions and responses with AEMO and the NSP to progress the alteration efficiently.
Hybrid Renewable Energy System Design & Integration
EPEC specialises in hybrid power plant design and integration, including solar-BESS, wind-BESS, synchronous-BESS and tri-hybrid systems. Our engineering approach combines detailed modelling, control system design and power flow analysis to optimise dispatch, stability and compliance.
For existing assets, we design hybridisation pathways that minimise plant modifications and GPS renegotiation scope.
Key capabilities:
- System Design & Engineering: Developing optimised configurations that blend different renewable technologies to achieve maximum efficiency and reliability.
- Energy Storage Integration: Incorporating battery storage solutions to stabilise supply, shift loads, and capture excess renewable energy.
- Control & Monitoring Systems: Implementing and verifying control strategy to properly coordinate multiple power sources in real time.
- Minimise impact on performance and operations of currently existing plants
Protection Engineering for Renewable & Substation Assets
EPEC delivers protection system design, analysis and commissioning support across generation, industrial and substation environments. Our protection specialists work across synchronous generators, inverter-based renewables, motors, mining and industrial facilities.
We also provide complementary studies including dynamic modelling, earthing and arc flash assessments.
Key capabilities:
- Protection modelling, design and commissioning for:
- Inverter-based renewable plants
- Synchronous generation
- Motors and industrial systems
- Substations
- Dynamic protection modelling (PSCAD, PSS/E)
- Steady-state studies, arc flash analysis and mitigation
- Earthing system design and commissioning support
Power Quality & Harmonic Studies for NEM Connection
Power quality studies are critical for NEM connection compliance. EPEC assesses harmonic emissions and system impacts from inverter-based resources, verifying compliance with NSP allocation limits and designing mitigation solutions where required.
Key capabilities:
- Grid Compliance Assessment: Ensures generation projects meet network harmonic limits and performance standards required for connection projects.
- Analysis of Inverter-based Resources: Use tools like PowerFactory to evaluate harmonic emissions from generation technologies like solar PV, wind and BESS.
- Harmonic filter design following state-of-the-art design methods and accounting for NSP-specific preferences for harmonic filters in their networks
- Mitigation Planning: The team at EPEC Group identifies risks such as resonance or equipment stress and informs decisions on filters or design changes.
OEM Engineering Support for Inverter-Based Resources
EPEC delivers protection system design, analysis and commissioning support across generation, industrial and substation environments. Our protection specialists work across synchronous generators, inverter-based renewables, motors, mining and industrial facilities.
We also provide complementary studies including dynamic modelling, earthing and arc flash assessments.
Key capabilities:
- Power system modelling for GPS and connection studies (PSCAD, PSS/E, PowerFactory, SSAT, Hypersim)
- Control system engineering guidance to meet Australian grid standards
- Regulatory enablement for inverter-based technology providers
Synchronous Generator Engineering & Grid Compliance
EPEC delivers specialist services for synchronous generation, including grid connection modelling, control tuning, protection design and site engineering support.
Key capabilities:
- Advanced control system tuning: EPEC designs and tunes excitation systems, limiters, power system stabilisers and turbine governors to maximise stability and ensure compliance with NER requirements.
- Model Development and Validation: The team builds and benchmark detailed PSCAD and PSS/E dynamic models (AVR, governor, protection, SSAT) to meet AEMO’s modelling guidelines and support accurate connection studies.
- Protection design & analysis: EPEC develops protection schemes, settings and logic for synchronous generators, including pole slip, loss of field, over/under frequency and overfluxing protection.
- Grid Connection & GPS support: Our scope includes full connection study packages, DMAT, GPS development and technical support through NSP/AEMO due diligence to secure a 5.3.4A approval.
- Site Based Engineering Support: thermal plan construction and commissioning support, hydro generator refurbishment planning and on-site engineering support, and protection commissioning on-site engineering support.
- Primary and Secondary System Designs: Including DC system upgrades, protection systems, and high-current busbar analysis and design.
Connection Application Services (R0) — Grid Studies & GPS
EPEC Group provides end-to-end Connection Application (R0) services to support renewable energy developers navigating the National Electricity Rules (NER) and network connection requirements.
Our power systems engineering team delivers detailed network analysis and modelling using industry-standard tools including PSCAD, PSS/E, PowerFactory, SSAT and SINCAL. We guide projects from pre-enquiry through to connection application, supporting the development of Generator Performance Standards (GPS) and technical documentation aligned with AEMO and Network Service Provider (NSP) requirements.
By integrating R0 activities into a complete connection pathway—from pre-enquiry through registration, testing and compliance—we reduce technical risk and minimise changes between R0 and R1.
Key R0 capabilities:
- Power system studies and modelling to assess technical feasibility, system strength and inverter-based resource performance (solar, wind, BESS and compensation devices).
- Generator Performance Standards development and negotiation with AEMO and NSPs, including support through the 5.3.4A approval process.
- Regulatory navigation and compliance support to streamline approvals and reduce project risk.
- R0 to R1 transition management to minimise rework and accelerate financial close and construction readiness.
Connection Registration (R1) for AEMO & NSP Approval
EPEC’s Connection Registration (R1) services ensure a smooth transition from connection acceptance to generation registration. We provide high-quality technical documentation, validated power system studies and coordinated stakeholder engagement to support AEMO and NSP approval.
Our team prepares R1 submissions, manages technical queries, and ensures alignment with R0 commitments—reducing approval risk and accelerating commissioning readiness.
Key R1 capabilities:
- Preparation of complete and compliant R1 documentation packages
- Development and validation of R1-ready PSCAD and PSS/E models aligned with AEMO guidelines
- Technical engagement with AEMO and NSPs to resolve queries efficiently
- Quality assurance to minimise material change risk and rework, avoid material change issues, and support timely progression toward commissioning and R2.
Generator Alterations Under NER 5.3.9
EPEC provides full technical, modelling and regulatory support for generator alterations under NER 5.3.9. We deliver clear submissions, validated models and technical justification to ensure alterations are approved efficiently and without operational disruption.
Where appropriate, we assess alternative regulatory pathways (e.g. NER 4.14(p), S5.2.2) to optimise approval timelines and scope.
Key capabilities:
- Impact Assessment: EPEC Group assess the proposed change to determine if it triggers the NER 5.3.9 process and identify any potential system impacts.
- Alteration Document Preparation: The team at EPEC Group work through to develop a clear, structured submission outlining the change, its technical basis, and updated plant information.
- Model and Study Updates: Update PSSE/PSCAD models and complete any required studies to show continued compliance with performance and operational requirements.
- AEMO and NSP Engagement: Manage technical discussions and responses with AEMO and the NSP to progress the alteration efficiently.
Hybrid Renewable Energy System Design & Integration
EPEC specialises in hybrid power plant design and integration, including solar-BESS, wind-BESS, synchronous-BESS and tri-hybrid systems. Our engineering approach combines detailed modelling, control system design and power flow analysis to optimise dispatch, stability and compliance.
For existing assets, we design hybridisation pathways that minimise plant modifications and GPS renegotiation scope.
Key capabilities:
- System Design & Engineering: Developing optimised configurations that blend different renewable technologies to achieve maximum efficiency and reliability.
- Energy Storage Integration: Incorporating battery storage solutions to stabilise supply, shift loads, and capture excess renewable energy.
- Control & Monitoring Systems: Implementing and verifying control strategy to properly coordinate multiple power sources in real time.
- Minimise impact on performance and operations of currently existing plants
Protection Engineering for Renewable & Substation Assets
EPEC delivers protection system design, analysis and commissioning support across generation, industrial and substation environments. Our protection specialists work across synchronous generators, inverter-based renewables, motors, mining and industrial facilities.
We also provide complementary studies including dynamic modelling, earthing and arc flash assessments.
Key capabilities:
- Protection modelling, design and commissioning for:
- Inverter-based renewable plants
- Synchronous generation
- Motors and industrial systems
- Substations
- Dynamic protection modelling (PSCAD, PSS/E)
- Steady-state studies, arc flash analysis and mitigation
- Earthing system design and commissioning support
Power Quality & Harmonic Studies for NEM Connection
Power quality studies are critical for NEM connection compliance. EPEC assesses harmonic emissions and system impacts from inverter-based resources, verifying compliance with NSP allocation limits and designing mitigation solutions where required.
Key capabilities:
- Grid Compliance Assessment: Ensures generation projects meet network harmonic limits and performance standards required for connection projects.
- Analysis of Inverter-based Resources: Use tools like PowerFactory to evaluate harmonic emissions from generation technologies like solar PV, wind and BESS.
- Harmonic filter design following state-of-the-art design methods and accounting for NSP-specific preferences for harmonic filters in their networks
- Mitigation Planning: The team at EPEC Group identifies risks such as resonance or equipment stress and informs decisions on filters or design changes.
OEM Engineering Support for Inverter-Based Resources
EPEC delivers protection system design, analysis and commissioning support across generation, industrial and substation environments. Our protection specialists work across synchronous generators, inverter-based renewables, motors, mining and industrial facilities.
We also provide complementary studies including dynamic modelling, earthing and arc flash assessments.
Key capabilities:
- Power system modelling for GPS and connection studies (PSCAD, PSS/E, PowerFactory, SSAT, Hypersim)
- Control system engineering guidance to meet Australian grid standards
- Regulatory enablement for inverter-based technology providers
Synchronous Generator Engineering & Grid Compliance
EPEC delivers specialist services for synchronous generation, including grid connection modelling, control tuning, protection design and site engineering support.
Key capabilities:
- Advanced control system tuning: EPEC designs and tunes excitation systems, limiters, power system stabilisers and turbine governors to maximise stability and ensure compliance with NER requirements.
- Model Development and Validation: The team builds and benchmark detailed PSCAD and PSS/E dynamic models (AVR, governor, protection, SSAT) to meet AEMO’s modelling guidelines and support accurate connection studies.
- Protection design & analysis: EPEC develops protection schemes, settings and logic for synchronous generators, including pole slip, loss of field, over/under frequency and overfluxing protection.
- Grid Connection & GPS support: Our scope includes full connection study packages, DMAT, GPS development and technical support through NSP/AEMO due diligence to secure a 5.3.4A approval.
- Site Based Engineering Support: thermal plan construction and commissioning support, hydro generator refurbishment planning and on-site engineering support, and protection commissioning on-site engineering support.
- Primary and Secondary System Designs: Including DC system upgrades, protection systems, and high-current busbar analysis and design.
Why Developers & Asset Owners Choose EPEC Engineering
Hands-on support through approvals and delivery, keeping projects on track from start to finish. With EPEC, you gain clarity, confidence, and a partner who delivers results.
Integrated R0 to R1 delivery reduces rework
Seamless transition from modelling to delivery, minimising redesign and project delays
Strong AEMO and NSP engagement capability
Proven experience navigating approval;s and stakeholder requirements
Deep IBR and synchronous expertise
Technical strength across complex generation and grid integration
Commissioning readiness and site support focus
Practical, on the ground support to ensure a successful project energisation
