Wind and Solar

Heywood Interconnector Upgrade

Works are underway to increase the nominal capacity of the Heywood Interconnector by 40% – from 460 MW to 650 MW. By increasing the interconnector’s capacity, importing lower cost generation from the Eastern States at times of high demand becomes easier. In return, we will be able to export lower cost renewable energy to the Eastern States, particularly when South Australia is in a time of low demand.

Renewable Generation Integration

The generation of renewable energy is rapidly increasing throughout South Australia. This growth poses challenges for the management and operation of the electrical power system. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and ElectraNet are working together on the development of options for integrating renewable generation with the traditional grid to manage these challenges, building on the initial work undertaken in 2014.

Energy Storage Project

The Energy Storage for Commercial Renewable Integration project explores the role of grid-scale battery storage in South Australia. The project is collaboratively undertaken by AGL, ElectraNet, and WorleyParsons, and is part funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

It can be difficult to guarantee the reliable and steady supply of large scale wind and solar generation because of its variable nature. Energy storage can help with providing supply stability from these sources and support the integration of renewable energy into the market.

Eyre Peninsula Reinforcement

Expanding this region’s network transmission capacity will support the development of additional wind resources in the area. At this stage however, the upgrade is dependent on the commitment of major proposed mining developments on the Eyre Peninsula. To continue to prepare for progress of the developments, we are working to acquire the necessary easements to secure the transmission corridor for the potential upgrade.