On 10 October 2024, TasNetworks submitted its contingent project application to us, seeking an increase to its revenue to fund early works on North West Transmission Developments (NWTD) Stage 1 contingent project in accordance with clause 6A.8.2 of the National Electricity Rules (NER). This NWTD Stage 1 early works contingent project application relates to the Tasmanian on-land portion that TasNetworks is responsible for, which forms part of the overall construction of Project Marinus, including the Marinus Link interconnector, between Tasmania and Victoria.
We invite stakeholders to make submissions on TasNetworks' NWTD Stage 1 early works contingent project application. Submissions close on 15 November 2024.
Background
NWTD involves significant upgrades to the existing high voltage alternating current (HVAC) 220 kV transmission network in north west Tasmania. These upgrades are to facilitate the efficient connection and operation of the Marinus Link high voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnector between Tasmania and Victoria. Stage 1 of the NWTD is in support of Cable 1 of the two 750 MW HVDC cables associated with the Marinus Link interconnector between Tasmania and Victoria. TasNetworks is responsible for NWTD and MLPL is responsible for Marinus Link.
The combined Marinus Link and NWTD projects forms Project Marinus, a single actionable Integrated System Plan (ISP) project without decision rules, identified in the 2024 ISP optimal development path. Under clause 5.16A.5 of the National Electricity Rules, the criterion of an early works contingent project application consistent with the NER definition is the actionable ISP project trigger event that must be satisfied before that early works contingent project application can be submitted.
Following our decision on the Stage 1 early works contingent project application, TasNetworks will later submit a Stage 1 construction contingent project application to us, seeking to recover revenue for project implementation costs once the project has been committed to and a final cost estimate is available.
Our role is to review the prudency and efficiency of the proposed costs within the Stage 1 early works application to ensure consumers pay no more than necessary. We have 40 business days from receiving the application or responses to information requests to make our decision. We expect to make a decision on the application in the coming months.