en.Wedoany.com Reported - Australian transmission operator Transgrid has initiated modeling and technical analysis to enhance transmission capacity into southwestern Sydney.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)'s Integrated System Plan, along with population growth and electrification pressures on existing infrastructure, has driven this initiative. New South Wales (NSW) has begun early planning for major grid upgrades to increase power supply to Greater Sydney, Newcastle, and Wollongong, driven by rising electricity demand and the retirement of coal-fired power plants.

Transgrid is evaluating options for the Sydney Ring South project, including a potential high-voltage transmission line between Barnaby in southern NSW and southwestern Sydney. The project aims to increase power flows from renewable energy zones in remote areas of NSW and across state borders to major demand centers.

Jason Krstanoski, Transgrid's Executive General Manager of Networks, stated that as coal power exits the system and renewable energy supply from outside metropolitan areas increases, the existing southern transmission corridor into Sydney faces congestion. AEMO has identified the Sydney Ring South project as a long-term option to enhance power security for Sydney, Wollongong, and Newcastle, which account for most of NSW's electricity demand.

According to modeling data, the project could save households an average of up to $36.69 (A$51) per year, and small businesses approximately $79.14 (A$110). The proposed upgrades would connect Greater Sydney to renewable energy projects and interconnectors, including EnergyConnect, HumeLink, and VNI West, as well as Snowy 2.0 and NSW renewable energy zones.

The draft project assessment report lists six technical options for Sydney Ring South. Transgrid has identified a preferred option, including upgrades to the existing 330-kilovolt (kV) network by 2030-2031 and a new 500 kV transmission line from near Barnaby to southwestern Sydney. The company stated that this option would more than double the capacity of the southern corridor into Sydney.

Transgrid estimates that the preferred option would deliver net market benefits of approximately $2.3 billion (A$3.2 billion) for NSW consumers and the broader economy. The project would support power supply to western Sydney and industrial users, including manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, education, aviation, and data centers, as well as meet the demands of Western Sydney International Airport and the Bradfield City development area.

Transgrid has commenced consultation on the draft project assessment report and invites submissions by the August 28 deadline. The report remains in the early planning stage, with no final route or corridor yet determined.

(US$1 = A$1.39)

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