Tasmania's 2nd interconnector to be fast-tracked

The proposed second interconnector between Tasmania and Australia, known as the Marinus Link, is one of 15 major projects whose approvals will be fast-tracked, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Monday.

The Commonwealth assessment and approval times for such major projects will be cut from an average of three and a half years to 21 months, Morrison said, adding that these 15 projects will support more than 66,000 direct and indirect jobs. The goal is to drive economic recovery and job creation after the coronavirus crisis.

A study released near the end of 2019 showed that the Marinus Link would be feasible at a capacity of 1.5 GW and could be operational from 2027. The project is being developed by Tasmanian Networks Pty Ltd (TasNetworks), owned by the Tasmanian Government State, which welcomed Morrison's announcement.

“Tasmania has tremendous wind and hydro resources, as well as the potential for pumped hydro storage and hydrogen production. The full potential can only be unlocked by building Marinus Link,” chief executive Lance Balcombe said.

Tasmania got AUD 56 million (USD 39m/EUR 34m) in federal funding to progress the project into the Design and Approvals stage. The goal is to have a shovel ready Marinus Link by the mid-2020s.

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