The SBP Scheme applies to all major transmission projects that are critical to the energy transformation and the future of the energy grid. Projects that meet this definition include priority transmission infrastructure projects, Renewable Energy Zone network infrastructure projects and transmission infrastructure projects identified in the Australian Energy Market Operator’s Integrated System Plan that are energised after the date of implementation of the SBP Scheme.
Examples of eligible projects that are underway or in early planning and development include current Transgrid projects EnergyConnect, HumeLink, and VNI West, and the Hunter Transmission Project, the New England Transmission Project and the Central-West Orana REZ Transmission Project. For eligible projects, SBPs are required for:
- New major transmission lines with a voltage of at least 330 kV
- Increasing the voltage of existing lines that involves significant new works- such as increasing the width of easements to accommodate additional towers.
SBPs are not required for:
- New substations
- Rebuilding existing transmission lines that do not involve significant new works, such as replacing existing towers
- Augmentations or upgrades to the existing transmission network, including existing substations
- New transmission and distribution lines and any associated works with a voltage of less than 330kV
- Existing transmission and distribution lines.
For eligible projects and works, payments are based on the length of the line required for a single set of transmission towers for the transmission infrastructure. If the transmission project requires two sets of towers (and subsequently two lines or parallel lines), the landowner will receive a SBP for each set of towers/lines for the project (that is, two payments). There is no difference in payment for different voltages or different tower designs.