NWTD News - August 2025

As Tasmania’s energy demands increase, TasNetworks needs to strengthen the state’s electricity transmission network. The North West Transmission Developments (NWTD) include new and upgraded transmission lines, substations and switching stations.

The developments will support new renewable energy developments and generate significant benefits and opportunities for Tasmanian communities and businesses. Watch explainer video

Marinus and NWTD get green light

Tasmania’s energy future just got brighter, with the Final Investment Decision (FID) for Project Marinus confirmed, and a new $346 million Commonwealth grant secured for TasNetworks.

TasNetworks CEO Seán Mc Goldrick said Marinus Link, underpinned by NWTD, will hugely increase Tasmania’s future clean energy capacity.

“This milestone reflects the vital role NWTD and Marinus Link will play in Tasmania’s energy landscape,” Dr Mc Goldrick said.

The funding boost will support new wind, solar, and pumped hydro projects, while reinforcing Tasmania’s legacy as a renewable energy pioneer.

TasNetworks will continue progressing through key pre-construction steps, working closely with stakeholders to deliver this transformative project.

Distribution line surveys along NWTD corridor

Surveys to assess undergrounding opportunities for 22kV distribution lines are now underway across the NWTD project corridor. These investigations are focused on locations where existing distribution lines cross proposed transmission lines - around 80 sites in total, stretching from Palmerston (near Cressy) to Burnie.

The surveys are helping TasNetworks identify where undergrounding distribution lines may be the safest and most practical solution. At transmission crossing points, maintaining minimum clearance distances between overhead lines can be difficult, costly, or even unviable. Undergrounding removes these clearance conflicts, reduces the risk of electricity jumping between power lines or to nearby objects (which can cause outages or safety issues), and improves compliance with safety standards.

Survey teams have been working closely with landholders to access sites and gather data. TasNetworks land agents, engineers, Genus field staff, and designers from Partum Engineering have all been involved, ensuring the surveys are thorough and respectful of each property.

Updated Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T)

Project Marinus, which includes Marinus Link and NWTD, has recently passed a major milestone in its regulatory journey. A new assessment confirms that the project continues to offer strong benefits for both the electricity market and consumers.

Together, Marinus Link and TasNetworks have updated the Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T). This test helps ensure that major electricity infrastructure projects are in the long-term interests of electricity consumers.

In supporting this process, independent experts reviewed future energy scenarios, comparing outcomes with and without Project Marinus. The findings show that the project is increasingly important for keeping electricity affordable, reliable, and cleaner as Australia transitions to renewable energy.

Supporting the TasTAFE Awards

The 2025 TasTAFE Trade Excellence Awards were held in Burnie earlier this month to recognise the dedication and talent of Tasmania’s future tradespeople.

NWTD sponsored the Overall Third Year Apprentice (North West) award, won by Robert Mitchell (left photo). Team members Sonya Booth and Leesa Butler were thrilled to attend the evening alongside Sarel Marais from Genus (right photo).

NWTD’s support of TasTAFE apprentices aligns with our commitment to build stronger regional communities and invest in the creation of skilled workers.

Congratulations to Robert and all the award winners and nominees!

A bright alliance with regional leaders in the transition to renewable energy

TasNetworks is proud to have been a sponsor of the Regional Energy Leaders Summit hosted by RE-Alliance, held in Newcastle earlier this month.

The event brought together local government representatives, associated local government bodies and community-based organisations from across Australia, all working to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the transition to renewable energy.

Our sponsorship supported the attendance of Tasmanian councils located in areas of TasNetworks’ major projects. This funding enabled representatives from Waratah-Wynyard Council and Central Highlands Council to participate in the Summit.

Alex Poate, TasNetworks Major Projects Engagement Partner, represented TasNetworks to learn key insights to share with the business.

“We have a responsibility to deliver our projects in a way that is respectful, inclusive, and responsive to local needs — ensuring that the benefits are realised by those most impacted,” Alex said.  

Key topics discussed included workforce accommodation, employment, community benefit sharing and coordinating regional benefits as well as engaging with first nations communities.

TasNetworks is committed to supporting collaborative approaches that put local communities at the centre of Australia’s renewable energy future.

Supporting Sheffield: Kentish House in action

Kentish House, located just off the Main Street in Sheffield, works closely with community members and service providers to deliver tailored programs that support the needs of the local community. 

NWTD has provided funding to Kentish House to help create a more welcoming, supportive space. Our support has enabled them to:

• purchase toys and furniture items for sensory/messy-based play
• develop an edible garden to support healthy food cooking classes
• install a garden shed to store garden equipment and outdoor toys. In true community style, the local Men’s Shed assisted by putting up the shed.

Leesa Butler from the NWTD team visited the House recently and was thrilled to see a group of toddlers playing with the new toys while their carers enjoyed a cuppa and a chat.

Run by one full-time coordinator, two part-time staff members and four volunteers, Kentish House hosts playgroup sessions, parenting programs and workshops, youth activities, and emergency and food relief.