Hitachi Energy has been selected by Marinus Link Pty Ltd (MLPL) to supply a 1500 MW HVDC Light link of “national significance”, which will augment the connection between mainland Australia and Tasmania’s grid. It is one of the key transmission projects identified by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) in its latest Integrated System Plan.
The approximately 345 km Marinus cable route will enable the flow of renewable power in both directions between Victoria and Tasmania. The electricity and data cable (for which Marinus has a capacity reservation agreement with Prysmian) will run 255 km undersea from north west Tasmania to Waratah Bay in Victoria, then a further 90 km underground to the Latrobe Valley (Hazelwood).
It will enable Tasmania to import excess solar and wind generated power produced in Victoria, while reserving its hydro and storing the extra energy. Clean hydropower can then feed the mainland grid when it is needed most, “acting as a large battery for the nation.” Moreover, it will help strengthen security of supply in the Australian power grid, in which electricity is increasingly generated from renewable sources.
The project will enable Tasmania to “combine the benefits of solar, wind and hydro,” notes Hitachi Energy, “giving Tasmanians the lowest possible power prices and giving new industries the energy confidence to establish in Tasmania. For Australians, Marinus Link will unlock Tasmania’s hydropower resources, providing access to massive amounts of renewable storage capacity, approximately 14 TWh.”
“With our essential HVDC systems secured, Marinus Link is poised for delivery by the end of the decade,” said Caroline Wykamp, CEO of Marinus Link Pty Ltd. “The Australian, Tasmanian and Victorian governments recently entered an historic agreement for joint ownership of Marinus Link, securing it as a critical transmission project for Australia.”
