Overview
Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation established on 1 July 2009. It operates Australia’s major electricity and gas markets, supporting secure, reliable and affordable energy supply.
Its purpose is to manage energy systems and markets while enabling Australia’s transition towards net-zero emissions. AEMO provides independent planning, forecasting and operational services in the long-term interests of energy consumers.
Mission and focus areas
AEMO oversees electricity system operations, wholesale energy markets, gas markets and long-term energy infrastructure planning. Its responsibilities include maintaining system security, balancing electricity supply and demand, and forecasting future energy requirements.
Its sustainability activities focus on renewable energy integration, decarbonisation, energy storage and transmission development. AEMO’s research supports sustainable finance by identifying infrastructure investment needs, assessing energy transition risks and informing capital allocation decisions.
Structure and governance
AEMO operates as a company limited by guarantee, with membership divided between government (60%) and energy industry participants (40%). It operates on a cost-recovery basis, primarily funded through fees paid by market participants.
Its Board of Directors is chaired by Professor Mary O’Kane, while Daniel Westerman serves as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Board committees oversee finance, risk, audit, technical operations and organisational governance.
AEMO operates independently within Australia’s energy legislation and regulatory frameworks, with accountability to the Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council.
Programs and offerings
AEMO publishes energy market data, forecasts, technical assessments, planning reports and operational guidance. Its principal publications include the Integrated System Plan, Electricity Statement of Opportunities and Gas Statement of Opportunities.
The Integrated System Plan identifies electricity generation, storage and transmission investments required to support the energy transition. AEMO also provides electricity and gas market dashboards, forecasting datasets, modelling resources and industry training.
For finance and sustainability practitioners, these resources support renewable energy investment analysis, infrastructure financing, energy market forecasting and assessment of climate transition risks.
