Stage one of a project that will see 240km of transmission lines across Tasmania either constructed or upgraded has been given the state go-ahead.
TasNetworks’ project director for North-West Transmission Developments (NWTD), Richie Sheather, called approval through the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC) an “umpire’s endorsement”.
“TasNetworks is building NWTD for Tasmanians who want the lowest possible future prices, strong climate action, clean energy careers, and enough clean energy for Tasmania and Australia’s future,” he said.
“The TPC’s permit is an ‘umpire’s endorsement’ that our crucial project will achieve what it’s intended to, complies with Tasmanian laws, adequately manages biosecurity risks, vegetation, waterways and threatened species, has acceptable visual impact, and follows sound engineering principles.”
The next step for the North-West Transmission Developments (NWTD) will be federal approval through the EPBC Act, with a decision set to be made in April 2026.
The TasNetworks board will then make a final investment decision regarding NWTD’s development.
Stage one of NWTD spans three sections, connecting Palmerston in Tassie’s Northern Midlands with Sheffield through a new 80km-long 220kV double-circuit transmission line located next to an existing single-circuit 220kV transmission line.
A 44km-long transmission line would then be built to connect Sheffield and Stowport, with a 5km-long line then being replaced between Stowport and Burnie. From Stowport, a separate 3.2km-long line would connect with the Heybridge Converter Station, which connects with Marinus Link.
Head contractor GenusPlus Group mobilised to site in December 2025, with construction works on stage one of NWTD to commence soon after EPBC Act approval is given, if it is given.
“We’re pleased to have achieved voluntary access to more than 96 per cent of the private land needed. All else going well, we look forward to starting construction soon,” Sheather said.
Subscribe to Energy and discover all you need to know about the energy transition.
