{"id":33435,"date":"2019-09-12T06:43:08","date_gmt":"2019-09-11T20:13:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/?p=33435"},"modified":"2024-10-03T10:34:08","modified_gmt":"2024-10-03T01:04:08","slug":"project-energyconnect-interconnector-mb1210","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/project-energyconnect-interconnector-mb1210\/","title":{"rendered":"South Australian Energy Minister Talks Up Project EnergyConnect"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Project<\/p>\n

SA’s Minister for Energy and Mining Dan van Holst Pellekaan was again spruiking the virtues of a SA-NSW interconnector yesterday.<\/p>\n

The comments came after an announcement earlier yesterday renewables developer Neoen has proposed a massive renewable energy project for the state’s Mid-North region – Goyder South<\/a>.\u00a0 The full project would comprise 1200 MW of wind power, 600 MW of solar energy and 900 MW of battery storage – however, two thirds of the capacities is contingent on the SA-NSW interconnector (formally known as Project EnergyConnect) coming to fruition.<\/p>\n

“The $1.5 billion SA-NSW interconnector will provide a freeway for renewable energy from South Australia to the eastern seaboard, enabling huge renewables projects such as Goyder South to turn South Australia into an energy powerhouse,” he said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Minister stated the interconnector project will help deliver the Marshall Government’s aspiration of net-100% renewables for South Australia in the 2030\u2019s, lower electricity prices and more jobs.<\/p>\n

What Is Project EnergyConnnect?<\/h2>\n

An interconnector is a connection between transmission networks enabling electricity to flow between regions. South Australia currently only has interconnection with Victoria, limiting electricity import and export potential.<\/p>\n

Project EnergyConnect seeks to establish a 330 kilovolt (kV) above-ground transmission line running over 900 kilometres from Robertstown in South Australia\u2019s mid-north to Wagga Wagga in New South Wales via Buronga; including an added connection to Red Cliffs in Victoria’s north-west.<\/p>\n

The first phase will see connection between Robertstown, Buronga and Red Cliffs and the second phase between Buronga and Wagga Wagga.<\/p>\n

\"SA<\/p>\n

The project is a joint venture between South Australian electricity transmission network provider ElectraNet and New South Wales provider TransGrid.<\/p>\n

How Much Will It Reduce Electricity Bills?<\/h2>\n

Minister van Holst Pellekaan says small and medium businesses in South Australia with significant electricity consumption will save “many thousands of dollars each year”1<\/a><\/sup>. As for SA households, it won’t be anywhere near that – approximately $66 savings per year (around $30 a year in NSW). But still, it’s better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick – and the project will improve energy security while also giving South Australia access to other markets for its renewables-generated electricity.<\/p>\n

Where Is Project EnergyConnect At?<\/h2>\n

EnergyConnect was granted Major Project Status in SA<\/a> in late June. This will help to streamline approval processes, but doesn’t give it a free pass.<\/p>\n

In July, Electranet announced<\/a> the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy (DoEE) determined the South Australian aspect of Project EnergyConnect is to be a \u201cControlled Action\u201d, and Electranet is awaiting a decision from the South Australian State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP).<\/p>\n

In late August, the New South Wales Government granted Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) status to the project for that side of the fence. Transgrid said<\/a> this enabled it to start working towards developing an Environmental Impact Statement.<\/p>\n

The project web site also indicates a Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T) is still in progress, which is being overseen by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). Results were expected in the second half of this year, so they shouldn’t be far off.<\/p>\n

Other key upcoming milestones for the project are:<\/p>\n