by Australian Energy Council
Discussion paper: The energy transition and implications for transmission
The latest discussion paper in our series on Australia’s Energy Future looks at the implications of an economy-wide 55 per cent reduction in emissions by 2035 target and the transition to net zero for Australia’s electricity transmission networks.
It sets out the basic regulatory framework that applies to transmission in Australia and some of the consequences that arise from that approach, such as the need to have robust regulatory approval processes on behalf of consumers, given they are underwriting the investment.
The paper then focuses on building the transmission required to connect the large-scale renewable generators needed to progress Australia’s transition to net-zero. That some new transmission is required is not in doubt. But the continued support of consumers for the energy transition is predicated on building the system as efficiently as possible. This raises questions about how to determine what gets built and where, how it is funded and who should bear the risks of overbuilding or building in the wrong location.
Click here to read the full report.
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