A major new electricity transmission project to power South Australia’s clean energy future and support the State’s Prosperity Project has been declared an ‘actionable project’ by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) in its 2024 Integrated System Plan (ISP), released today.
ElectraNet’s Green Energy Network will ensure South Australia can harness the economic benefits of large-scale renewable energy projects, while continuing to safeguard the reliability and security of the State’s power network for households and businesses.
ElectraNet will consider options to expand power system capacity from the Mid North to Adelaide and the Mid North to Whyalla to future proof Adelaide’s electricity supply and power new loads associated with the State Prosperity Project.
Green Energy Network also aims to make Adelaide’s energy supply more diverse and resilient to extreme weather, particularly bushfires.
Green Energy Network’s inclusion as an ‘actionable project’ means that AEMO has identified an immediate need to increase power transfer capacity on the transmission network. ElectraNet must now undertake a detailed analysis to determine the optimal solution for South Australian consumers.
ElectraNet’s Chief Executive Officer, Simon Emms, welcomed today’s decision by AEMO, describing Green Energy Network as ‘a critical enabler of the South Australian Government’s world-leading clean energy and economic ambitions for South Australia’.
“To energise South Australia’s clean energy future, investment is needed in the State’s energy transmission network,” Mr Emms said.
“South Australia is a leader in the energy transition and Green Energy Network aims to unlock transformative economic opportunities through the State Prosperity Project, create jobs and ensure that power is available where and when it is needed.”
Work will now begin on a formal cost benefit analysis known as a Regulated Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T). This will determine how Green Energy Network can deliver the maximum benefit for consumers.
Mr Emms said ElectraNet is committed to genuine community consultation and engagement, and ElectraNet has a proud history of working respectfully with communities to build lasting partnerships with them.
“In the last 5 years we have successfully delivered almost 1,000 km of new lines, on time, on budget, and with the support of the local communities and traditional owner groups, and we expect Green Energy Network will be no different.”
“Before Green Energy Network can go ahead, an independent rigorous assessment of ElectraNet’s cost benefit analysis will be undertaken that will take community views into account.”
This comprehensive investigation and engagement process will run through to December next year.
ENDS
Any enquiries, please contact communications@electranet.com.au
A copy of our Media Release is available here: Green Energy Network to Power SA’s Energy Transition and Unlock State Prosperity.
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