Capability 1.3.1.2
Electricity Transmission & Distribution
Definition
The national and regional networks that deliver power to data centre and compute hubs. Reliable, high-capacity transmission is essential to support large-scale AI clusters. Advanced maturity includes transmission and distrbution of clean energy.
Examples
- National grid operators such as the Australian Energy Market Operator and state-based transmission projects (e.g. Energy Connect).
Indicators
- Transmission capacity (MW-km)
- Average outage duration (minutes per customer/year)
- % of clean energy transmission
National AI Plan
PLAN COMMITMENT
Limited commitment
Acknowledges priority for electricity to remain affordable for Australians and exploration of options to enhance investment in renewable energy, but no specific detail on transmission and distribution aspects. Plan includes limited specific details on working across government to leverage this advantage to fill capability gaps elsewhere in the AI ecosystem. Limited commitment by government in the plan aligns with the recommendation to maintain and monitor.
Stocktake
Electicity Transmission Lines. Digital Atlas of Australia. Updated 30 January 2025. https://digital.atlas.gov.au/datasets/digitalatlas::electricity-transmission-lines/about
Rewiring the Nation. Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Updated 15 October 2025. https://www.dcceew.gov.au/energy/renewable/rewiring-the-nation
2024 Integrated System Plan Consultation Summary Report. Australian Energy Market Operator. June 2024. https://www.aemo.com.au/-/media/files/major-publications/isp/2024/supporting-materials/2024-isp-consultation-summary-report.pdf?rev=9e901f2b861843ccbd8673ebb6e7819b&sc_lang=en
Is the Stocktake missing evidence?
Share additional information for potential future Assessments