Priority Transmission Infrastructure

SACOME calls on the Government to identify priority transmission infrastructure for the State, such as the MidNorth Expansion projects, to meet future industrial electricity demand.

South Australia is experiencing a rapid and significant uplift in its electricity demand, with key drivers including the potential connection of large new customer loads, the development of large iron ore mining operations, and the development of hydrogen facilities and hydrogen hubs.

It is predicted that around 1,000 MW of additional load will connect to the transmission network by 2030 and the development of major transmission assets requires at least five years from initial planning to delivery.

Together, the proposed Mid-North Expansion (Southern) and Mid-North Expansion (Northern) projects will unlock substantial benefits for the State by enabling industry growth and supporting additional local renewable energy development, as South Australia becomes increasingly dependent on more distant renewable sources with the retirement of local gas generators.

​SACOME recommends that the South Australian Government identify these projects as strategic infrastructure priorities, ensuring that the timing of major network development is aligned with the development of energy projects and increased energy demand across industrial, mining, and hydrogen production activity

---