Taslink Unveils Plan for Deep-Sea HVDC Cable Linking Australia and New Zealand

New Zealand-based venture Taslink has announced plans to construct a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) submarine cable connecting the power grids of Australia and New Zealand.

The cable is designed to have a capacity between 2 GW and 3 GW, extending approximately 2,600 km across the Tasman Sea. It will link a point south of Auckland, New Zealand, to Newcastle on Australia's New South Wales central coast. At certain points, the cable is expected to reach depths of up to 5 km below sea level, potentially making it the deepest HVDC submarine cable globally. The estimated cost of the project is approximately AUD 10.85 billion (USD 6.7 billion). Construction is projected to commence in 2028, with the cable becoming operational by 2032.

The interconnection would enable both countries to manage their peak loads more effectively, balancing seasonal and daily variations in energy consumption. Taslink has completed over two years of engineering feasibility studies in collaboration with global HVDC experts. The studies confirm the project's viability concerning the cable's required depth and distance. The company is currently seeking private investment to fund the next stages of development.