Strong interest in Transgrid's New England renewable infrastructure development

Executive Manager of Business Growth Richard Lowe said 23 proponents have provided 18 submissions as part of the New England Connection Capacity Auction (NECCA) process, seeking to connect to a new 330kv transmission line in the New England region.

“We’re pleased there has been very strong interest from the market, totalling about 6,900 MW, from those wanting to secure capacity on the new, purpose built line,” said Mr Lowe.

“It demonstrates a healthy appetite to invest in renewable energy generation where enabling infrastructure services can be delivered,” he said.

The new transmission infrastructure in the state’s north-west is part of a $1 billion infrastructure development investment by Transgrid Services and renewable energy generators connecting to NETI.

It will host up to 1,400MW capacity and is one of several NSW energy zones presenting potential large scale generation options. The project will support local businesses and contractors during the construction phase.

The Federal and NSW Governments and the Australian Energy Market Operator support efforts to explore these zones to help drive down electricity prices, improve reliability and enable the nation’s transition to a lower carbon economy. The development of the NETI is the first step in the private sector development of enabling infrastructure for collaborative renewable energy development.

A number of proponents have now been shortlisted to advance to the Request For Capacity (RFC) stage, which is expect to be released in November, 2020.

The list of proponents includes established local and overseas project developers, utilities, original equipment manufacturers and advisors. The short-list provides a level of redundancy (in capacity, projects and proponents) to support a competitive process where proponents will be asked to bid an all-inclusive service fee for connection to the NETI.

The NETI design will seek to minimise costs to generators through providing fit-for-purpose infrastructure, essential asset and support policies and grid stability.

For more information on the New England Transmission Infrastructure (NETI), go to https://transgrid.com.au/newenglandconnection

Media enquiries:
Suzanne Shepherd 0409 495 152
Suzanne.shepherd@transgrid.com.au