Innovatia

supply chain and implementing new projects that will shape the future grid. TransGrid CEO Paul Italiano explains, “The road ahead is exciting. It’s all about innova- tion and keeping the customer at the centre of everything we do. We are transforming the way we work, leveraging emerging technol- ogies, designing solutions for unique chal- lenges and championing research and devel- opment.” This involves collaborating with external partners on key projects, including several

major network interconnector upgrade pro- jects to put downward pressure on energy bills and facilitate the investment in and in- corporation of more renewables. These pro- jects will be critical in reducing downstream congestion on the network, increasing sys- tem stability and competition in the whole- sale electricity market. As it manages the transition of the electricity system, TransGrid is navigating through some breakthrough in- itiatives that will improve its understanding of how the grid and new technologies can support new generation and demand. NSW’s first Renewable Energy Zone NSW’s electricity system was designed around coal-fired power stations predomi- nantly in eastern, regional NSW where the coal was mined – with high voltage trans- mission networks that linked generators to population centres along the east coast. For new sources of electricity generation such as wind and solar, the most accessible and pro- ductive locations in regional NSW are mostly inland. This necessitates new planning and investment in transmission infrastructure to connect large-scale renewable generation with population centres and industry. TransGrid is a key partner working with the NSW Government on the development of the CentralWest Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) – which is expected to create 3 giga- watts of new generation capacity, enough to power 1.4 million homes and up to $5.2bn in private investment into the region to 2030. Working with the government, communities and industry, it will be able to design trans- mission infrastructure that provides the best

CONNECTING THE DOTS FOR RENEWABLES There is tremendous responsibility that comes with operating and managing the largest high voltage transmission electricity network in Australia, covering NSW and Canberra. TransGrid is moving beyond that mandate, transforming the nature of how Australia keeps the lights on in a carbon-constrained world. T hree million homes, businesses and communities directly rely on TransGrid to deliver safe, reliable and affordable

electricity supply every day. Its network is at the heart of the National Energy Market that supplies nine million customers across the country. Transmission networks are at the forefront of Australia’s energy transforma- tion, the backbone of the power system. It is no small feat to transport large volumes of electricity from generators to regions where it’s used, managing stability, balancing sup- ply and demand, and facilitating competi- tion between generators. The decisions made this decade are criti- cally important in preparing NSW’s power system as it transitions to a greater reliance on low-cost renewable generation such as wind and solar, and increased demand driv- en by population growth and technology. As consumers get used to the idea of elec- tric vehicle highways and smart infrastruc- ture connecting our communities – Trans- Grid is strategically planning and investing, working in collaboration across the energy

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