ElectraNet has published a draft report providing more detail on the proposed construction of a high capacity interconnector between South Australia and New South Wales.
ElectraNet has been exploring options to facilitate South Australia’s energy transformation, while improving system security and helping to put downwards pressure on electricity prices.
It says as well as improving security of electricity supply in South Australia, establishing a 330 kV interconnector between the two states would enable greater integration of renewables in the National Electricity Market (NEM).
“South Australia is a national leader in renewable energy and we have an opportunity to further build on this reputation,” said ElectraNet Chief Executive, Steve Masters.
The proposed interconnector would run from Robertstown in South Australia’s mid-north to Wagga Wagga in New South Wales, via Buronga. This is a route ElectraNet says would provide the highest net market benefits of the various route scenarios studied and a ‘no regrets’ solution.
It’s looking as though the Robertstown region could be a hive of energy related activity in the time ahead. Last week we mentioned a huge solar + battery storage project near Robertstown due to start construction early next year.
The interconnector project would deliver substantial economic benefits as soon as it is built says Electranet, but that doesn’t also mean significant savings on power bills for customers in both states. While the net market benefits are estimated to be around $1 billion over 21 years (in present value terms), independent modelling by ACIL Allen sees a reduction in annual electricity bills by “up to about” $30 in South Australia and around $20 in New South Wales.
Marshall Government Welcomes Report
South Australian Minister for Energy and Mining Dan van Holst Pellekaan said the proposed project would “close the loop” on South Australia’s connection to the national electricity market (NEM) and bring many opportunities.
“Access to additional electricity if we need it plus the opportunity to export our often overabundant renewable energy will deliver lower prices and more security for all South Australians,” stated Minister van Holst Pellekaan.
The cost of the interconnector project is approximately $1.5 billion across both states. Assuming it receives all the necessary approvals, ElectraNet says the project could be delivered between 2022 and 2024.
After a consultation period, the next step involves the publication of a Project Assessment Conclusions Report, which at this stage is expected in November 2018. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) will then make a final ruling on the Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T).
The South Australia Energy Transformation RIT-T project assessment draft report can be downloaded here (PDF).
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This smacks of rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic.
The problem is lack of reliable power;
When it’s dark in SA, it’s dark in NSW and vice versa.
Shuffling around what we have is not an issue. NSW can send (theoretical) excess power to Vic, and Vic can send it to SA. There is an interconnect already.
What we need is additional _reliable_ generation. (Don’t make me laugh talking about batteries).
If we are worried about reducing carbon emissions (and God knows why we should be given Australia produces only 1.3% of worldwide emissions, and the rest of the world are increasing their emissions building new coal stations) then build a couple of Nuclear power stations.
Store the used nuke fuel in SA – it’s big enough, geologically stable, and SA is always on the lookout for a federal handout.
Scrap this interconnect and build some proper generation capability