About NWTD
Tasmania is moving towards a more electric future. How we use electricity is changing, and that means our transmission network needs to change too. Projects like the North West Transmission Developments (NWTD) help make sure Tasmania has the infrastructure it needs to power homes, businesses and communities now and into the future.
The North West Transmission Developments is a major upgrade to Tasmania’s electricity network. It will help keep the power system reliable and stable while creating more capacity for existing and future renewable energy projects in the region, including Marinus Link.
Stage 1 of NWTD includes 3 km of new and 126 km of upgraded transmission lines. It also includes upgrades to the Sheffield, Palmerston and Burnie substations and a new switching station at Heybridge to support the Marinus Link converter station.
Why change now?
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Growing demand for power
Electricity use in Tasmania is increasing. More households are using electric appliances, electric vehicles are becoming more common, and industries are shifting away from fossil fuels. To meet this growing demand and attract new industries, Tasmania needs a stronger transmission network and increased on island generation and storage capacity to deliver reliable, affordable and clean power where it is needed.
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Extra renewables needed
Tasmania’s hydro system has powered the state for decades, but changes to historical rainfall patterns can place pressure on water storages. Adding more wind and solar generation, supported by modern transmission infrastructure and energy storage such as pumped hydro, helps keep the lights on even when rainfall is low.
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Boosting energy security
Building a stronger transmission network allows Tasmania to move electricity more efficiently around the state, manage different sources of generation, and import power when required. It also enables surplus clean energy to be exported to other parts of the National Electricity Market, generating revenue for Tasmania. This flexibility supports long term energy security and helps manage price pressures as demand grows.
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Two-way energy flow
Project Marinus, which includes NWTD and Marinus Link, will connect Tasmania and Victoria through new electricity and telecommunications infrastructure, creating a stronger, more flexible and reliable energy system.
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It’s time to expand the network
Most of the existing transmission infrastructure was built decades ago and was not designed to carry the level of electricity needed today. NWTD upgrades and expands the network so electricity can be moved from where it is generated to where it is used reliably and efficiently, now and into the future.
From planning to construction
As Tasmania’s electricity network planner, TasNetworks is working to ensure that the network will be capable and ready to support future renewable energy developments and Tasmania’s increasing energy demands.
Since 2019, TasNetworks has been developing all the necessary plans and technical designs and has gone through land-use planning and comprehensive approvals processes at local council, Tasmanian government and Australian government levels. The project has also completed a rigorous and regulated economic cost-benefit analysis.
In February 2026, the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) made its final decision on construction costs for Stage 1 of NWTD, with the approval providing revenue certainty for TasNetworks.
After a detailed assessment, the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC) granted a planning permit for the project in March 2026, subject to conditions. Approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act was also granted from the Commonwealth in April 2026, subject to conditions.
TasNetworks reached financial close for the NWTD in early May 2026, marking the final major step before construction begins. Full construction for Stage 1 will start immediately upon the TPC planning permit (pending appeal) and EPBC approval taking effect.
The latest Integrated System Plan (ISP) released by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) in June 2026 maintains Project Marinus Stage 2 as actionable, signalling the NWTD project’s ongoing role in supporting energy security and stability.
Our construction partner
TasNetworks has appointed GenusPlus Group Ltd (Genus) to deliver the construction works for Stage 1 of the project. Genus is experienced in electricity and communications infrastructure projects within Tasmania and nationally. This appointment followed an extensive procurement process to ensure the highest standard of probity, fairness and equal opportunity.
Genus is required to meet TasNetworks’ strict safety, environmental and community engagement standards, and all work will be carried out in accordance with approved permits, management plans and land access agreements. TasNetworks will continue to oversee construction activities to ensure all project commitments are met.
Information Hub
Explore the Information Hub for NWTD fact sheets, reports and key project information
