Unlocking the North West’s renewable energy zone

North West Tasmania is identified as a high priority “renewable energy zone” because of its excellent potential for developing renewable energy generation and storage projects.

The region also hosts the expected connection point for Marinus Link, a proposed 1500 megawatt (MW) capacity undersea and underground electricity corridor that will link North West Tasmania to Victoria.

Changes to North West Tasmania’s electricity network are proposed to unlock these resources and provide further connection with mainland Australia.

As part of the proposed North West Tasmania transmission developments, upgrades are being planned between Burnie, Sheffield and Palmerston (near Cressy), in addition to new transmission developments between Staverton, Hampshire and Burnie. New infrastructure will also include Marinus Link.

The proposed developments would remove constraints on potential new and existing generation in North West Tasmania, and ensure the necessary system stability and security requirements are in place to support a 1500 MW Marinus Link.

The proposed developments will help deliver low-cost, reliable and clean energy for Tasmania and the broader National Electricity Market. They are part of supporting the significant jobs and investment opportunity in Tasmania from Marinus Link, the Battery of the Nation and the state’s world class wind resources.

TasNetworks is currently assessing the favoured routes for the proposed transmission upgrades and new transmission corridors required to support the potential renewable energy developments in North West Tasmania, and will work closely with communities, businesses and landowners as planning for these developments continues.

You can find out more about the proposed North West Tasmania transmission developments on the TasNetworks website.

Have a question? Get in touch, we’d love to chat with you.