November 25, 2017
Australia

Governments to fund $20 million Bass Strait interconnector study

Energy cable study revealed | Matt Maloney | The Advocate | November 24 2017 | www.theadvocate.com.au

Tasmania’s position to fuel renewable energy use on the mainland and earn export dollars has been given another push through the announcement of a $20 million feasibility study.

The study will question the requirement for a second Bass Strait interconnector as Hydro Tasmania prepares to build up the state’s renewable energy capacity.

The Battery of the Nation concept aims to develop pumped hydro storage and attract more windfarm investment in Tasmania, creating $5 billion of investment and 3000 jobs over 10 to 15 years.

Hydro chief executive Steve Davy said more renewable energy development required more interconnection to get energy to the market.

“More interconnection will signal that Tasmania’s own energy security is beyond assured, and the rest of Australia can benefit from our future surplus of clean electricity,” he said.

UPC Renewables said the interconnector would allow development of two significant Tasmanian windfarm projects, rather than being constrained by the present transmission system.

The federal and state government will jointly fund the study.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2017/11/25/governments-to-fund-20-million-bass-strait-interconnector-study/