Basslink is an important facility to Hydro Tasmania’s operations as it provides for us to export and import electricity in the National Electricity Market (NEM). It is the interconnector which runs from George Town in Tasmania to Loy Yang in Victoria under Bass Strait, the longest undersea cable in the world.
Basslink allows Hydro Tasmania to send renewable energy to the NEM and to preserve water during times of low inflows. It also provides the opportunity to maximise the value of our hydro power system and our renewable energy and environmental products through trading activities.
Basslink is owned and operated by National Grid.
Background
In 1998 the Tasmanian Government decided to progress an electricity interconnector (Basslink) linking the Tasmanian power system to that of Victoria and the National Electricity Market (NEM) as the next electricity supply option for the State.
Following this decision the Basslink Development Board ("the Board") was appointed by the Tasmanian Government to facilitate Basslink as a commercial opportunity to build, own and operate an interconnector in the NEM.
The Board initially undertook a comprehensive proponent selection process for the Tasmanian Government. The selection process resulted in the Tasmanian Government selecting National Grid (a wholly owned subsidiary of British listed company National Grid Transco) in February 2000 to build, own and operate the Basslink interconnector.
The Board reported to the Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure, Energy and Resources and following the achievement of financial close for the Basslink Project on 29 November 2002, the Board's role was completed and it was subsequently wound-up early in 2003.
More information on Basslink approvals and construction and environmental studies.
Basslink commenced operation on 29 April 2006.