Project Marinus updates cost-benefit analysis ahead of regulatory submission
Project Marinus has undergone a major assessment as part of the regulatory process, finding both market and consumer benefits remain strong.
The joint proponents of Project Marinus – Marinus Link Pty Ltd (MLPL) and TasNetworks – have recently updated the Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T), as a requirement of the Australian Energy Regulator, ahead of lodging MLPL’s revised Revenue Proposal.
The RIT-T examines whether transmission projects are in the long-term interests of electricity consumers. In supporting this process, independent experts EY Parthenon updated their market benefit analysis of future scenarios with and without Project Marinus.
A further independent report by FTI Consulting found that a future scenario with Project Marinus is expected to provide substantial consumer benefits resulting from reductions to wholesale electricity prices across the National Electricity Market.
MLPL CEO Stephanie McGregor said both updated analyses found benefits had increased substantially based on the latest information.
“The updated modelling draws from the Australian Energy Market Operator’s latest input assumptions and future scenarios data, which show an increased need for Project Marinus in meeting future electricity demand across the grid,” Ms McGregor said.
“These findings show that as the energy market continues to evolve, Project Marinus remains crucial for energy affordability, security, and decarbonisation.”
Costs for Stage 1 of Marinus Link and the North West Transmission Developments (NWTD) projects have now been market tested and further refined to:
- Marinus Link – $ 3.89 billion (real $2023)
- NWTD – $1.14 billion (real $2023)
Both MLPL and TasNetworks continue to engage with key community, consumer, business and industrial stakeholders as part of this regulatory process,” TasNetworks CEO Seán Mc Goldrick said.
The updated analyses can be found on Marinus Link’s website, with interested stakeholders encouraged to share views on the RIT-T findings until 8 August 2025.
Marinus Link and the NWTD projects are collectively known as Project Marinus.