The Northern Transmission Project - South is a proposed expansion to the South Australian transmission network that would see the delivery of a new high-voltage transmission connection between Bundey and Northern Adelaide. The project is expected to enable up to 1.2 gigawatts of additional network capacity on delivery.
The scope of the project is expected to include delivery of:
- a new 275 kilovolt (kV) double-circuit line from Bundey to a location close to Bolivar/Dry Creek,
- multiple new line-connected reactors,
- multiple new substations,
- a new 132 kV single-circuit line from Templers West to Templers, and
- transformer upgrades and replacements.
Future options for a proposed second northern stage are subject to an increase in forecast transmission demands.
Key Dates
| Jun 2022 | Project Announcement |
PROJECT HISTORY
| Jun 2022 | AEMO identified the project in the 2022 Integrated Systems Plan as 'required' in the late 2020s in the Hydrogen Superpower scenario and in the early 2030s in the Step Change scenario. The 2022 ISP required ElectraNet to undertake Preparatory Activities to inform the 2024 ISP. |
| Jun 2023 | ElectraNet released its Mid North SA Renewable Energy Zone Preparatory Activities – Final Report. |
| Jun 2024 | The project was declared an 'actionable' project in AEMO's 2024 Integrated Systems Plan, with a total estimated cost of $389 million and expected operations commencement in July 2029. AEMO opened consultation on non-network options for the project. |
| Apr 2026 | ElectraNet submitted a Project Assessment Draft Report (PADR) as part of the Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T). The PADR found that the preferred option for the project would see the delivery of a new high-capacity transmission line between Bundey and a new site in Northern Adelaide. The PADR further found that there are no network benefits in expanding the transmission network north of Bundey, with this expected to change if significant future industrial developments are located in Northern South Australia. |
| Jun 2026 | The project was identified as a 'future' project in AEMO's 2026 Integrated System Plan (ISP), with a total estimated cost of $1.4 billion. The 2026 ISP identified an earliest in-service date for the project in 2031-32. |
Estimated Total Cost
(2026)
Sector
Energy
Procurement approach
Other |
Location
South Australia |
Resources
