The best spots in Australia to build new powerlines and unlock vast amounts of low-cost solar and wind power have been identified by a team of ANU researchers.

The researchers assessed the suitability of more than 500 transmission corridors along which to build new infrastructure and found 147 “high scoring” options.  

“Transmission is now a bottleneck for cheaper, cleaner electricity. Australia is tracking towards 82 per cent renewables by 2030, but where and how we build new powerlines will determine costs, community impact and reliability for decades,” Dr Cheng Cheng said. 

Dr Cheng said building new powerlines in the locations they’ve identified could help the country fast track its journey to net zero and help slash Aussies’ energy bills in the process.  

“Australia can cut power bills and accelerate the renewable transition by targeting a small set of optimal transmission corridors to unlock top wind and solar zones, reducing system costs by up to 18 per cent,” Dr Cheng said. 

Read the full story here.