New interconnector to provide extra power for SA would cost $500m to $2.5bn, ElectraNet report finds
A NEW electricity interconnector between South Australia and the eastern states could be operational by 2021 and would cost between $500 million and $2.5 billion, power network operator ElectraNet says.
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A NEW electricity interconnector between South Australia and the eastern states could be operational by 2021 and would cost between $500 million and $2.5 billion, power network operator ElectraNet says.
ElectraNet has revealed it is looking at four options for a second interconnector to improve SA’s energy security.
Power supply security has become a pressing political issue since the statewide total blackout in September, which was triggered by an overloaded interconnector switching off.
ElectraNet chief executive Steve Masters said a new interconnector would be useful because of
the “intermittent” nature of the wind power on which SA was heavily reliant.
“South Australia needs a long-term solution that will facilitate our energy transformation, while improving system security and placing downward pressure on electricity prices,” Mr Masters said.
“One credible option is a new interconnector between South Australia and the eastern states, which would increase access to lower-cost generation and allow system security services to be shared across regions.
“Countries such as Denmark, Germany and the United Kingdom also source a high percentage of their energy needs from renewable generation, but have much stronger interconnection that has enabled its integration.”
An ElectraNet discussion paper says Denmark generates more than 40 per cent of its electricity from wind farms but could source more than 80 per of its peak demand from interconnectors with Norway, Sweden and Germany.
The four interconnector options
Central SA to Victoria
(Tungkillo to Horsham, and beyond)
300km-600km long
Increasing capacity by 330-600 MW
Potentially opening in 2021
Mid North SA to NSW
(Robertstown to Buronga, and beyond)
350km-800km long
Increasing capacity by 330-1200MW
Potentially opening in 2021
Northern SA to NSW
(Davenport to Mt Piper)
1100km-1300km long
Increasing capacity by 1100-1300MW
Potentially opening in 2022
Northern SA to Queensland
(Davenport to Bulli Creek)
1450km-1600km long
Increasing capacity by 1000MW-2000MW
Potentially opening in 2022
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