Minister for Energy and Mining Dan van Holst Pellekaan has welcomed renewable energy giant Neoen’s commitment to the Goyder South hybrid renewable energy generator with grid scale storage, and highlighted the importance of SA-NSW interconnector to the viability of the project.

“Neoen’s plan for the enormous Goyder South project is a resounding endorsement of the interconnector and the Marshall Government’s policies for cheaper, more reliable and sustainable power,” said Minister van Holst Pellekaan.

“The $1.5 billion SA-NSW interconnector will provide a freeway for renewable energy from South Australia to the eastern seaboard, enabling huge renewables projects such as Goyder South to turn South Australia into an energy powerhouse.

“The Goyder South project will deliver up to 1200 MW of wind power, 600 MW of solar power and very importantly 900 MW of battery storage on the back of the SA-NSW interconnector.

“Neoen has indicated that the delivery of stages 2 and 3 of the project will be dependent on the construction of the SA-NSW interconnector.

“Four more large solar farms worth billions of dollars are also planned along the interconnector route which runs from Robertstown in SA’s Mid North and Wagga Wagga in NSW.

“The investment potential of the SA-NSW interconnector is one of the reasons why the Marshall Liberal Government granted the nation-building infrastructure Major Project Status.

“The SA-NSW will help deliver our aspiration of net-100% renewables in the 2030’s, lower power prices and delivering a higher growth future for all South Australians.

“Modelling released earlier this year shows that small and medium businesses with significant electricity consumption will save many thousands of dollars each year when the interconnector is energised.

“Significantly reduced electricity bills for small businesses will be good for jobs, investment and the local economy.

“The SA-NSW interconnector also delivers an average $66 savings per year for households.
“South Australia currently only has interconnection with Victoria which puts us at the end of the line and vulnerable to the type system risks that saw the entire state blacked out in 2016.

“This new additional interconnector will bring South Australia into the loop with the rest of the national energy market, bringing cheaper power, greater reliability and increased export opportunities for our renewable energy.”