TasNetworks has recently published Project Assessment Draft Report (PADR) as next step in Marinus Link Regulatory Investment Test – Transmission (RIT-T) process
The PADR builds on the Project Marinus Project Specification Consultation Report (PSCR) taking into account feedback from submissions received during the consultation period following the PSCR’s release in July 2018.
Economic analysis undertaken for the RIT-T demonstrates that Marinus Link and supporting transmission will provide an economic advantage to the National Electricity Market, with benefits significantly outweighing costs in all modelled scenarios.
A 1500 MW Marinus Link would deliver the most benefits to customers. There are a range of optimal timing outcomes depending on the assumptions, and Marinus Link and supporting transmission could be in service from 2027.
The RIT-T requires consideration of all ‘credible options’ that would meet the ‘identified need’. In the PSCR, the identified need was described as:
“The characteristics of customer demand, generation, and storage resources vary significantly between Tasmania and the rest of the NEM.
Increased interconnection capacity between Tasmania and the other NEM regions has the potential to realise a net economic benefit by capitalising on this diversity.”
The ‘credible options’ are a choice of transmission capacity options for Marinus Link that range from 600 to 1500 MW.
The findings and recommendations of the PADR are that the 1500 MW Marinus Link and supporting transmission upgrades option maximises the net market benefit by providing a cheaper supply option for mainland NEM regions.
The PADR analysis shows that a Marinus Link developed in two 750 MW stages provides optimum electricity market benefits. The first stage, including the proposed supporting Tasmanian transmission upgrades, to be commissioned in 2028, and the second 750 MW stage commissioned in either 2030 or 2032 depending on market needs.
TasNetworks looks forward to receiving feedback on the PADR over the coming months as part of the RIT-T consultation process including briefings in Melbourne, Sydney and Hobart in early 2020.
To register for these public events please contact the project team at TasNetworks by emailing team@marinuslink.com.au.
Submissions on the PADR close on 2 March 2020.
A copy of the PADR can be obtained from TasNetworks' website.
- Rit-T Project Assessment Draft Report (PADR) Summary (1.4 MB, pdf)