What do we mean by transmission?
Transmission
New transmission is critical to our clean energy transition – it will make sure all projects can be connected to the grid, so we can access the cheap clean renewable energy.
While transmission line projects are very technical in nature, it is impossible to ignore their impacts on the local environment, individual stakeholders and the wider communities they are being proposed for.
“The timely approval and efficient delivery of large-scale transmission projects that enable the significant energy transition in Australia to occur, whilst ensuring that potential impacts of such projects to regional communities and landholders are appropriately managed, is likely to be our collective highest priority for this decade.”
Findings from Curtin University and the University of Queensland.
VicGrid is a new Victorian Government entity that has been established to coordinate transmission line planning and development for Victoria’s renewable energy zones. Supporting with projects that enable new clean energy reforms that give communities a voice and provide certainty for investors. VicGrid has generated an interactive map of the Offshore Wind Energy Transmission study corridor.
Link to VicGrid Interactive Map
Marinus Link is a proposed undersea and underground electricity and data interconnector between North West Tasmania and the Latrobe Valley in Victoria.
It will enable the flow of more electricity in both directions, delivering low-cost, reliable and clean energy for customers in the National Electricity Market (NEM).
With Marinus Link, Tasmania can import low-cost renewable energy, such as surplus solar, while reserving hydropower and storing the extra energy. Green hydropower can then be exported to the mainland grid when it is needed most to reduce the risk of brownouts.
Marinus Link’s Stage 1 FID is now planned for May 2025.
G-REZ project – AusNet Services has been developing the Gippsland Renewable Energy Zone™ transmission project (G-REZ™) which is proposed to unlock 3-4GW of renewable energy by 2029.
AusNet supports the role of VicGrid in leading transmission project planning and development in Victoria. As VicGrid progresses this work, AusNet has slowed down some of its activities in relation to the G-REZ project, including deferring broad community engagement.
Why overhead transmission is preferred by VicGrid
VicGrid thoroughly assessed various technical options for new transmission lines, including both overhead and underground methods. They carefully weighed complex factors like technical requirements, social considerations, environmental impacts, and heritage preservation.
The assessment revealed that overhead AC (alternating current) power lines with voltages of 330 kV and 500 kV scored the highest overall. This was primarily because they result in lower costs for energy consumers, involve less engineering complexity, and have a proven track record for efficiently transporting large amounts of energy over long distances. For instance, to achieve the first 2GW offshore wind energy target, the preferred overhead AC options are estimated to cost between approximately $700 million and $1.5 billion. In contrast, the underground HVDC (high-voltage direct current) option is projected to cost significantly more, ranging between approximately $2 billion and $4.5 billion.
Lint to Overhead vs Underground: comparing high voltage transmission infrastructure a white paper by Aurecon a design, engineering and advisory company 2023.
Link to Comparing High Voltage Overhead and Underground Transmission Infrastructure (up to 500kV) Research conducted by Curtin University and the University of Queensland 2023.
Meet Simon + Susan Tickner, food, fibre and wind farmers near Horsham VIC Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia + Jupagulk Country. For 50 years, Simon + Susan’s farm has thrived under transmission lines. Hosting turbines + transmission lines are just one more way Simon ensures the profitability and sustainability of his agriculture business now, and farming into the future.
Curtesy of The New Joneses Season 4 Episode 31 Good Neighbours “Farms, Turbines + Transmission Lines”