Projects

North West Transmission Developments Stage 1

Client
TasNetworks
Sector
Power Networks & Transmission
Location
North-West

Strengthening Tasmania’s transmission network to power Australia’s renewable energy future

Services
  • Transmission& Distribution
  • Design & Construction
  • Network Services
  • Substations
The Challenge

North West Transmission Developments (NWTD) Stage 1 forms part of Project Marinus, supporting increased renewable energy supply across Tasmania and into the National Electricity Market.

The project represents a major upgrade to Tasmania’s transmission network, with an estimated project value of approximately $950 million under the Regulatory Investment Test update submitted to the Australian Energy Regulator in April 2024.

The works include upgrades and augmentation across the existing network to support future energy demand and connection of Marinus Link Stage 1.

The Genus Approach

Genus was awarded the staged contract for NWTD Stage 1, commencing with the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase under an initial Limited Notice to Proceed (LNTP) valued at approximately $42 million.

The ECI phase incorporates engineering, design and survey activities, establishing the project foundation ahead of construction.

Long-lead equipment and material procurement activities will follow through separate early works agreements during the LNTP phase.

Following completion of the ECI phase, and subject to TasNetworks issuing a Notice to Proceed, the project will transition into the Construction Phase.

Delivery in action

NWTD Stage 1 involves upgrading and augmenting the existing transmission network across North-West Tasmania to support Marinus Link Stage 1 and future renewable energy demand growth across the State.

The scope includes:

  • Design, procurement and construction of new dual circuit 220kV transmission line between Palmerston to Sheffield and Sheffield to Heybridge to Burnie.
  • Decommissioning, demolition and removal of the existing 220kV single circuit transmission lines between Palmerston to Sheffield and Sheffield to Burnie
  • Augmentation works at Palmerston Substation
  • Augmentation works at Sheffield Substation
  • Augmentation works at Burnie Substation
  • Construction of the new Heybridge Switching Station to enable connection of Marinus Link into Tasmania’s 220kV transmission network
  • Pre-commissioning and commissioning activities

The Construction Phase remains subject to a Final Investment Decision, planning and environmental approvals and Australian Energy Regulator revenue determination.

Construction is expected to commence in Q2 2026, with completion scheduled for 2029.

The outcome

Project ongoing.

NWTD Stage 1 will strengthen Tasmania’s transmission network and support long-term energy security across the State and National Electricity Market.