Just transmission: advancing coherence in Australia’s electricity policy

A crucial pillar of Australia’s ambition to reach 82% renewable energy in the National Electricity Market by 2030 is the construction of thousands of kilometres of new transmission lines. However, proposed transmission corridors have generated conflict in rural communities, including over impacts on visual amenity, farming activities, and disaster resilience. This project asks how electricity transmission regulation and policy in Australia can be designed to advance a just energy transition. Understanding of transmission regulation and policy remains under-explored compared to renewable energy generation. We employ a set of analytical tools on policy coherence to (a) assess levels of coherence between different policy objectives on transmission policy; (b) understand causes of (in)coherence in transmission regulation and policy; and (c) propose regulatory reform options and community-oriented strategies for a more just and coherent approach. Expected outcomes include peer-reviewed journal articles, a database of transmission regulation and policy in Australia, co-authored monograph, and practical guidance for policy-makers and communities. By strengthening the evidence base for transmission reform priorities, the project expects to create environmental benefits (by strengthening the ability of transmission policy to underpin Australia’s climate and energy policy commitments) and socio-economic benefits (by encouraging forms of investment that improves community wellbeing).