New Underground HVDC Project Proposed in Australia
Syncline Community Cable: Pioneering Underground HVDC in Australia
Syncline Energy has unveiled plans for the HVDC 'Syncline Community Cable. The initiative proposes to install a 265 km HVDC underground cable link, primarily along highways and agricultural lands, to connect the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub (MREH) with Victoria's Mallee region. The project aims to enhance the integration of renewable energy sources while minimizing environmental and social impacts.
Technical Overview
Technical details are sparse at this stage but Syncline Energy say the power rating will be between 1.5GW and 2GW. The Syncline Community Cable is designed to transmit more than 25% of Victoria's electricity, facilitating the expansion of renewable energy zones in the state's northwest. This region has been identified as a key area for future energy generation by VicGrid. The project's HVDC technology will enable efficient long-distance transmission with minimal electrical losses, a critical factor in supporting Australia's transition to a more renewable energy-dependent grid.
The cable will be buried along a route that includes 100 km within the median strip of the Calder Freeway and the remaining 165 km across flat grazing and cropping lands west of Bendigo. This strategic placement minimizes the impact on agricultural activities, with only nine trees slated for removal. The easement above the cable will span approximately 8 meters, allowing for continued use of the land for sheep grazing and cropping, although certain practices like deep ripping will be restricted.
Syncline Energy emphasizes that the underground approach offers advantages compared to traditional overhead transmission lines, which have faced significant delays and cost overruns in Victoria. The project is planned to be funded through private debt and equity, with Lazard Australia managing the capital raise. The decision to proceed will depend on VicGrid's assessment of the project's feasibility within the broader Victorian Transmission Plan.
By avoiding the use of overhead poles and wires, the Syncline Community Cable addresses community concerns associated with traditional transmission infrastructure. This approach helps to decouple the perception of transmission lines from renewable energy projects, which are often conflated in public discourse. The project's focus on community engagement and careful ecological planning underscores its commitment to minimizing environmental impact.
As Australia continues to integrate more renewable energy sources into its grid, projects like the Syncline Community Cable will play a crucial role in ensuring efficient and reliable transmission. The use of HVDC technology aligns with broader national efforts to enhance grid stability and support net-zero ambitions, as seen in other significant projects such as the Marinus Link connecting Victoria and Tasmania. The success of the Syncline Community Cable could set a precedent for future underground transmission projects in Australia, offering a model for balancing environmental concerns with the need for robust energy infrastructure.
