Journal No. 8 – The Future of Work

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Power Generation 

Western Australia’s main electricity network, the Southwest Interconnected System (SWIS), serves the state’s population (Infrastructure Australia , 2020). What makes this grid truly unique is that it is both geographically and electrically isolated, with no connection to other transmission lines (Infrastructure Australia , 2020). This isolation presents challenges in managing supply and demand, particularly as the grid shifts toward renewable energy sources. 

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) managed the electricity of Western Australia  (AEMO, 2024) , working in collaboration with WA’s largest electricity generator and retailer, Synergy (Synergy, 2025). 

With the growing integration of renewables – solar, wind, and battery storage – into the SWIS, electricity generation has become increasingly complex and dynamic to control. Solar and Wind power are intermittent due to their dependence on weather conditions[1]. This unpredictability requires real-time, up-to-date control of electricity generation to minimize supply fluctuations and ensure grid stability. 

The SWIS grid frequency is crucial and must be maintained at 50 Hz. A frequency drop indicates an imbalance where demand exceeds supply. While an increase in frequency means supply surpasses demand (Grid Beyond , 2024 ). Keeping the grid stable becomes harder with the unpredictable nature of renewable energy sources, which can throw the system off balance and lead to load shedding or even widespread outages (AEMO, 2022; Energy Facts Australia, 2018).

To address these challenges, AEMO deployed the Wholesale Electricity Market Dispatch Engine (WEMDE), an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system designed to manage the real-time dispatch of energy in Western Australia (AEMO, 2025). WEMDE processes data from market participants, such as generation providers, demand forecasts, and system constraints. Using this information, it calculates energy dispatch in compliance with market rules and sends instructions to generators in real time. It continuously monitors and adjusts grid conditions to maintain balance and reliability (AEMO, 2025).  This includes integrating renewables and adapting to weather patterns and forecasts. Yet, this technological leap also reshapes the future of work in power generation. While WEMDE aims to automate control, its reliance on human oversight hints that operator roles aren’t vanishing – they’re evolving, demanding new skills to partner with, not just monitor AI. 

While WEMDE is an impressive technological advancement, it is not without flaws. Its algorithms[2]sometimes struggle to predict sudden weather changes, such as cloudy days or windless conditions, which can significantly impact solar and wind power generation. As a result, power output can drop causing frequency dips. Although the grid is designed with spinning reserves[3], manual intervention is still often required. Based on my 25 years of experience as a Power Plant Operator managing traditional power plants, such interventions are often essential. 

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) offer a partial solution by releasing stored energy during solar or wind shortfalls (SynergyRED, 2025). However, these batteries must be fully charged and ready to discharge when needed – otherwise, they are ineffective. It’s worth noting that BESS currently contributes only 3% to 5% of the SWIS supply (AEMO, 2025). Expanding BESS capacity is essential for mitigating renewable energy shortfalls. 

Despite advancements in AI and storage technology, human intervention remains critical. As a power plant professional, we are on the front line, ensuring the grid remains stable and operational, avoiding blackouts and load shedding. While weather forecasting and AI tools like WEMDE have improved, they still lack the precision and adaptability needed to replace human expertise (NOAA Scijinks , 2025). Relying solely on AI to manage power generation remains a risky proposition. 

In conclusion, AI is becoming an integral part of the power generation industry, but significant work and research are needed before it can be fully trusted to manage electricity grids. While WEMDE improve efficiency, they cannot yet fully replace human judgement- especially in emergency situations. 

Personally, I am not concerned about AI taking over my role – what worries me more is that our profession as Power control room operators is fading. Few apprentices are entering this field, and with the median age of operators now at 49 years old (Jobs and Skills Australia , 2022), this demographic trend is alarming. Power generation is a vital skill for the future, whether we transition to complete renewables or maintain a hybrid system with gas generation. Ensuring a robust pipeline of skilled operators is as critical as the technology itself for securing a reliable energy future. The future of work in power generation depends on adapting to AI while ensuring human expertise remains central to a reliable electricity supply. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

AEMO. (2024). AEMO about us . doi:https://aemo.com.au/about/who-we-are

AEMO. (2025). AEMO Data Dashboard. doi:https://www.aemo.com.au/energy-systems/electricity/wholesale-electricity-market-wem/data-wem/data-dashboard

AEMO. (2025). AEMO WEMDE . doi:https://aemo.com.au/initiatives/major-programs/past-major-programs/wem-reform-program/implementation/wemde?form=MG0AV3

AEMO. (December, 2022). AEMO Load Shedding Fact Sheet. AEMO. doi:https://aemo.com.au/-/media/files/learn/fact-sheets/load-shedding-fact-sheet.pdf?la=en

Energy Facts Australia . (2018). Energy Facts Australia . (T. C. Council, Producer) doi:https://www.energyfactsaustralia.org.au/explainers/blackouts-explained/

Grid Beyond . (2024 , August ). Grid Beyond . doi:https://gridbeyond.com/frequencyexplained/#:~:text=If%20demand%20exceeds%20supply%2C%20generators,stability%20of%20the%20power%20grid.

Infrastructure Australia . (2020, February 16). Infrastructure Australia . doi:https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/map/south-west-interconnected-system-transformation

Jobs and Skills Australia . (2022). Jobs and Skills Australia . doi:https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/data/occupation-and-industry-profiles/occupations/399213-power-generation-plant-operators?form=MG0AV3

NOAA Scijinks . (2025, February 20). (J. Stoller-Conrad, Editor, & J. Stoller-Conrad, Producer) doi:https://scijinks.gov/forecast-reliability/

Synergy. (2025). Synergy. doi:https://www.synergy.net.au/About-us/Who-we-are

SynergyRED. (2025). SynergyRED. doi:https://www.synergy.net.au/Our-energy/SynergyRED/Large-Scale-Battery-Energy-Storage-Systems

 

 

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[1] Solar panels generate electricity only during the day and fluctuates depending on cloud conditions. Wind turbines require sufficient wind speeds. 

[2] An Algorithm is a set of instructions designed to solve a problem.

 

[3] Spinning reserve are back up power from traditional power plants that can quickly release power inputs in case of solar energy dips.