The Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments have today announced joint-underwriting of up to $102 million to support the construction upgrade of the NSW–Queensland Interconnector (QNI) by TransGrid, the manager and operator of the high voltage transmission network in NSW and the ACT.
QNI
Federal and State government support for QNI upgrade confirmed
28 October 2019
The joint statement released by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Energy Ministers Angus Taylor and Matt Kean confirms the support that is needed for TransGrid to fast track the early delivery of QNI - ahead of a final regulatory determination by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).
TransGrid's Chief Executive Officer, Paul Italiano said: “Federal and NSW Government support is essential to the early delivery of this transmission project which will provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity to customers in NSW and the ACT.
“Subject to approval by the AER, TransGrid will upgrade the interconnector to ensure a reliable supply of electricity to customers in NSW and the ACT over the summers ahead and as older, coal-fired generators like the Liddell power station shutdown.
“QNI will facilitate the transfer of an additional 190 MW of power from Queensland's relatively new generators during periods of peak demand to customers in NSW and the ACT,” Mr Italiano said.
QNI was identified as a priority project in the Australian Energy Market Operator’s Integrated System Plan and in the NSW Government's Transmission Infrastructure Strategy.
The upgrade to QNI is scheduled for construction completion in late 2021.
The regulatory approval process for QNI is progressing. For more details go to the Project Assessment Draft Report (PADR).
Media enquiries: Kristina.Zarich@transgrid.com.au / 0439 448 168.