Extra cable only hitch for excess power

HYDRO Tasmania says increased Bass Strait interconnection would allow the mainland access to the state’s excess hydropower with no need for extra investment.

The government business enterprise released analysis yesterday stating its case for extra interconnector cables between Tasmania and the mainland.

Hydro Tasmania chief executive Steve Davy said latent capacity in the state’s hydropower system would be under-utilised until there was additional interconnection.

“It’s not needed in Tasmania, and while it would provide value in Victoria, there’s not sufficient interconnection capacity to deliver it to that market,” Mr Davy said.

If there were another cable, 400 megawatts of power could be supplied without new investment, Mr Davy said

“It would be available over the summer months, when demand is at its peak in Victoria and the system under greatest pressure,” he said.

And there was potential for further capacity with “limited investment” in initiatives like asset upgrades and altered operations, Mr Davy said.

Federal Energy Minister Angus Taylor visited Poatina yesterday to tout the Commonwealth’s New Generation Investments Program but did not commit to funding a second Bass Strait interconnector.

He noted the Government had invested in a feasibility study.

State Energy Minister Guy Barnett said Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation project had identified 14 potential pumped hydro sites that could support the national electricity market.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Federal Government on progressing new energy developments in Tasmania, supported by a second Bass Strait interconnector,” Mr Barnett said.