Transgrid has published the Project Assessment Conclusions Report (PACR) for Managing risk on Line 16 (Marulan – Avon). Publication of this PACR represents the final step in the Regulatory Test for Transmission (RIT-T) process.
Spanning a route of 71km, Line 16 is a single-circuit 330 kV, steel tower transmission line that runs between Marulan and Avon substations. Constructed in 1962, the line is comprised of 159 structures and forms a key link between Snowy Hydro and the Illawarra and Sydney metropolitan areas. It also links to the network south and west of Marulan, connecting approximately 810 MW of wind generation to the region.
Transgrid manages and mitigates bushfire and safety risks to ensure they are below tolerance levels or ‘As Low As Reasonably Practicable’ (‘ALARP’), in accordance with Transgrid’s obligations under the New South Wales Electricity Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation 2014 and Transgrid’s Electricity Network Safety Management System (ENSMS). The proposed investment will enable us to manage safety and environmental risks on Line 16.
Transgrid published a Project Specification Consultation Report (PSCR) for managing risk on Line 16 (Marulan – Avon) in June 2023.
In the PSCR Transgrid presented two credible network options that would meet the identified need from a technical, commercial, and project delivery perspective. The optimal commercially and technically feasible option presented in this PSCR – Option 2 (remediating all identified condition issues on the line) – is the preferred option to meet the identified need.
No submissions were received in response to the PSCR during the consultation period which closed in September 2023 and no additional credible options have been identified.
Option 2 remains the preferred option at this stage of the RIT-T process. The estimated capital cost of this option is approximately $9.4 million +/- 25 per cent. Transgrid is the proponent of the proposed network project.
In accordance with the requirements of the Rules, a summary of the Project Assessment Conclusions Report is made available on the AEMO website. A copy of the PACR can be obtained from Transgrid’s website or by emailing regulatory.consultation@transgrid.com.au.