Table 1.

Grid scenarios for least-cost optimization of generation and storage.

#	Scenario	Identifier	Definition
1	Copper platea	CP	All regions, including WA, are assumed to be mutually interconnected with an ideal interconnector without any capacity constraints or losses.
2	Isolated grids	IG	This scenario is simulated to consider the possibility that all regions are disconnected from each other, and thus, individual regional requirements for generation and storage are calculated. Although unrealistic because the NEM is already (relatively weakly) interconnected, it provides insight into the benefits of reduced generation and storage resulting from interconnection.
3	Business-as-usual	BAU	This scenario is to simulate two independent grids, i.e. NEM with existing interconnectors and WEM in isolation from any other grid.
4	Australian Electricity Market	AEM	The last scenario is simulated to model the generation and storage needs should a new interconnector between NEM and WEM be constructed to combine the two grids.

^aThis is the idealization of the grid as a connection of all generators and loads by zero impedance conductors to a single node that provides a bound as a benchmark for comparison.