North West Transmission Developments

With the final report released by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) this week, the 2024 Integrated System Plan (ISP) has confirmed that the North West Transmission Developments project is a critical component for the national transition to renewable energy. AEMO is responsible for operating Australia’s National Energy Market (NEM) in the best interests of Australian energy consumers.

In May 2023, the Energy Charter released the Energy Charter Better Practice Social Licence Guideline. A 12-month Independent Review has now been undertaken to assess progress in implementing the Priority Actions and Better Practice Opportunities and to provide constructive feedback. This has served as a great opportunity for TasNetworks to review and reflect on the good progress that has been made and consider opportunities for further improvement.

Read the report here: Better Practice Social Licence Guideline - The Energy Charter

TasNetworks intends to appoint a preferred Head Contractor in the coming months. The Request for Proposal (RFP) for design and construction of NWTD stage 1 closed in late May 2024, followed by commencement of proposal evaluation and negotiations. Appointing the successful Head Contractor to undertake the ‘Early Contractor Involvement’ (ECI) phase is a prerequisite to a Final Investment Decision for the project, scheduled for December 2024.

Learn more: https://www.tasnetworks.com.au/Poles-and-wires/Planning-and-developments/North-West-Transmission-Developments/Procurement-and-suppliers

In mid-2023 TasNetworks undertook the required steps to register a notified corridor for the proposed alignment of the North West Transmission Developments (NWTD) in accordance with the Major Infrastructure Development Approvals Act 1999 (MIDAA).

The MIDAA process requires that a notified corridor must be in place before TasNetworks can submit a Development Application and Environmental Impact Statement for assessment of the NWTD. The notified corridor was made by the Minister for Planning at TasNetworks’ request.

Following the announcement by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments that Marinus Link will, in the first instance, proceed with one cable, the overall scope of the North West Transmission Developments was revised to be delivered in two stages. Stage one will focus on the Palmerston (Cressy) to Burnie via Sheffield, and Stowport to Heybridge sections to align with the delivery of the first Marinus Link cable. The balance of the project, which includes the sections between Hampshire Hills to Burnie, and Staverton to Hampshire Hills will be constructed as part of stage two.

As a result of these decisions, it is now necessary to retain the existing 220kV line between Sheffield and Burnie during construction to avoid the risk of outages. It is still the case that the existing 220kV line between Sheffield and Burnie will be removed post-construction. To allow the new 220kV line to be installed while the existing one is in place, the proposed alignment of the new transmission line and location of towers has been adjusted in several locations. Other adjustments have also been made following discussions with landholders and ongoing work. This has meant that the notified corridor needed to be adjusted and, in some areas, widened.

The existing notified corridor between Hampshire Hills and Burnie is being amended in some locations to provide greater flexibility as we progress field investigations and further discussions with landholders.

TasNetworks recently requested that the Minister for Planning amend the notified corridor to allow for these adjustments.

Recognising the importance of maintaining a well-equipped workspace, the NWTD project has been able to assist the Kentish Men’s Shed in updating their tools and equipment.

Located amidst the serene surroundings of Sheffield, the Men’s Shed serves as a gathering place for approximately 50 dedicated individuals. From metal fabrication, blacksmithing to ceramic artistry, the Shed embodies a diverse range of skills and expertise.

With our grant exceeding $5000, the shed was able to acquire essential tools, ensuring safety and efficiency in their operations. Thank you, Kentish Community Men’s Shed, for allowing us to play a role in the vital work you do with communities in the North West!

To ensure community members can access information they might need about the North West Transmission Developments project, we have released a new information pack on the TasNetworks website. View information Pack

TasNetworks recently held a series of landholder drop-in sessions for the proposed North West Transmission Developments project, with fifty landholders taking the opportunity to attend. They were welcomed by a range of TasNetworks subject matter experts, including engineers and land agents, who were on hand to listen, support and address questions and concerns. TasNetworks was also joined by representatives from Rural Alive and Well and TasFarmers. Feedback from these sessions will contribute to our overall understanding of landholder concerns, highlighting the topics that continue to be important to landholders and what they want to know more about.

Specific feedback was also sought from landholders regarding TasNetworks’ proposed options for a Strategic Benefit Payment. The Strategic Benefit Payment is intended to recognise the ongoing impact to landholders who host new major infrastructure needed to support the delivery of a modern electricity grid for Tasmania. The Strategic Benefit Payment is separate and in addition to compensation payable to landholders under the Land Acquisition Act (1993).

Visit NWTD Landholder webpage

The Bracknell community recently came together for a day of fun with family and friends at the Rural Alive and Well (RAW) Easter Egg Hunt. The NWTD project partnered with RAW for this wonderful inaugural event aimed at promoting social connection and building resilient communities. There were smiles all-round as eggs were collected, with some kids using their TasNetworks toy helmet as a makeshift basket. The kids also loved trying out the renewable electricity bike activity, pedalling as fast as they could to illuminate a map of Tasmania’s transmission network. Thanks to RAW for putting on an eggcellent event!

The 21st World Wind Energy Conference was held in Hobart in November.

As our CEO Seán Mc Goldrick shared TasNetworks’ energy insights and vision for a bright and sustainable future to delegates, he noted how fitting the ‘Symphony of the Renewables’ theme was given the exciting renewable energy potential in Tasmania.

Chris Warr, Leader Major Projects Engagement, shared his knowledge on harnessing the power of youth – a presentation on how to co-design community benefit sharing with young people. You can learn more here: https://www.tasnetworks.com.au/nwtd-cbsp

Our chair Roger Gill, who is also past President of the International Hydropower Association, shared his insights on the important role that hydropower can play in reaching global net zero target.

Engaging presentations were intertwined with conversations from experts from all around the world – and our people will learn and benefit from their knowledge.

TasNetworks proudly supported this event as a gold sponsor, reaffirming our commitment to a sustainable energy future for all Tasmanians.

It has been 6 months since the Energy Charter launched its Better Practice Social Licence Guideline and TasNetworks, along with other Guideline collaborators, recently undertook an accountability check-in. While there is more work to be done, it was great to see that since the launch of the guideline there has been significant progress in identifying and progressing opportunities to improve outcomes for agricultural landholders.

At the 12 month mark, an independent accountability review will be led by Karin Stark, Director Farm Renewables Consulting (funded via Energy Consumers Australia) and Joy Thomas, Independent Chair, Ag + Energy Social Licence Roundtable / Co-convener Ag Energy Taskforce.

For further information and to view the Guideline – visit: https://www.theenergycharter.com.au/better-practice-social-licence-guideline/