What is an

interconnector?

An interconnector can run overland like the ‘Heywood’ interconnector between South Australia and Victoria or under large bodies of water like the ‘Basslink’ interconnector that runs across Bass Strait between Tasmania and Victoria. Undersea interconnection is common around the world.

Interconnection does and will increasingly play a major role to meet the needs of a future Australian power system. In Tasmania, increased transmission capacity from Marinus Link could unlock more low cost, reliable and clean energy.

Why do we need it?

The National Electricity Market (NEM) is undergoing significant transition. Wind and solar development is increasing but is variable in nature which creates power system stability and reliability challenges. As more wind and solar comes into the market and replaces coal, it is critical that generation types (like hydroelectricity, pumped hydro storage and gas) are in place to support system stability and reliable supply to keep the lights on.

What are the Market Benefits?

• Unlocks renewable wind, solar and hydroelectric energy and storage
• Increases supply security and firms renewables
• Harnesses diversity of load and generation
• Utilises modern, robust and flexible converter technology
• Complements other interconnection

There are broader economic benefits including:

• An estimated $1.5 billion of direct economic stimulus to the Victorian economy and 1,400 direct and indirect jobs during peak construction*
• An estimated $1.4 billion of direct economic stimulus to the Tasmanian economy and 1,400 direct and indirect jobs during peak construction*

*Job figures are estimated for the period spanning 2025-27

about us

TasNetworks is the Tasmanian jurisdictional planner in the National Electricity Market (NEM) and provides transmission and distribution electricity and telecommunications network services that deliver power to more than 280,000 households, businesses and organisations in Tasmania.