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Highlights
- South Australian government has granted environmental approval to the AU$2.3 billion power cable between SA and NSW.
- The Project Energy Connect will empower AU$20 billion renewable projects.
- Approval from Commonwealth is pending to clear all environment related hurdles.
South Australian government has granted environmental approval to the AU$2.3 billion power cable between South Australia and New South Wales. It is expected that these power cables will empower AU$20 billion renewable projects.
Following the approval by the SA government, it can be expected that Commonwealth would approve a high voltage electricity connector which would become a reliable resource of power as ageing coal plants are shutting down and power is being moved to the electricity market.
Critics stated that it is essential to connect solar and wind projects to the grids to reduce consumers' costs. Some supporters highlighted that 900km interconnectors are necessary for South Australia if the sole national grid through Victoria is lost.
What has happened till now in the Project Energy Connect?
In the Project Energy Connect, Transgrid and ElectraNet have partnered to set up power grids between NSW and SA. The project includes establishing a connection to Victoria. The project is expected to reduce the power prices, increase economic activities and improve security in the energy sector. Moreover, it is likely to lead to job creation in the regional community.
The SA government has conducted an Environmental Impact Assessment for the last three years, and finally, on Wednesday, environmental hurdles were cleared off. Only the clearance from Commonwealth is required to put an end to the assessment process.
What are the next steps in the project?
The South Australian component's construction to begin at the beginning of 2022, starting from the borders of SA and NSW and then heading towards Robertstown. Afterwards, the NSW component's construction starts from the Buronga substation towards the SA border during the same timeline.
Bottom Line
As per the project executives, the project has been developed, giving due consideration to the environmental factors and reducing the negative impact on communities. With the project, new opportunities will open up locals and are expected to solve energy cost and security related issues.
