ElectraNet has advised AEMO of an increase in the maximum transfer capability of the Heywood interconnection from SA to VIC, from the current 300 MW to 460 MW. AEMO has now completed due diligence on this proposal and agrees with ElectraNet's advice.
The increase in capability across the Heywood interconnection will take effect from midnight, Wednesday 10th March 2010.
The total combined SA to VIC transfer capability (across both the Heywood and Murraylink interconnectors) will remain unchanged at 420 MW at this time.
This revision is based on an extensive review of South Australia’s export capability undertaken by ElectraNet following a range of developments on the network, including:
- Increased wind generation capacity in the South East of South Australia;
- Reconfiguration of the network due to the establishment of the Tungkillo 275kV switching station;
- Establishment of the South East-Mayura / Snuggery 132kV line; and
- Review of protection limits for the network, particularly for lines in the Eastern Hills and South East.
Further details regarding this change can be found at the ElectraNet website at:
http://www.electranet.com.au/network_planning.html
Actual transfer capability from South Australia to Victoria will be determined by prevailing system conditions, and in practice the majority of the time it is likely that other limits within SA will prevent this new maximum transfer limit from being reached.
Additionally, the review undertaken by ElectraNet indicates that the combined SA to VIC transfer capability on both Heywood and Murraylink could potentially be increased beyond the current 420 MW, however further work is still required to determine the allowable increase.
Another AEMO Communication will be sent before any change in the combined interconnector capability is implemented.
For queries regarding these changes to transfer capability please contact Andrew Groom at AEMO on (03) 9648 8781.