Capitalised terms used on this webpage which are:
(a) not italicised have the meanings given in this content or the Access Policy for the Kidston DNA; and
(b) italicised have the meanings given in the Rules.
Australian Energy Regulator Approval Date
The Access Policy for the Kidston DNA was approved by the Australian Energy Regulator on 12 June 2026.
For the purpose of Appendix F of the Access Policy, the end date of the Foundation Proponent’s connection agreement is 7 December 2066.
Details of Kidston Designated Network Asset Capacity and Facilities of Existing Connected Parties (as at the AER Approval Date)
Schematic of the connection configuration for the Kidston DNA and associated assets (as at the AER Approval Date)
Note: The Guybal Munjan Substation (the Network Substation) is divided into Network Substation Shared Facilities and Network Substation Dedicated Facilities. Based on the current configuration shown in the schematic above, the Network Substation Shared Facilities are considered to be six ninths of the Network Substation. The Network Substation and Network Interface Assets do not form part of the Kidston DNA but are shown here as they are inherently required in order to connect the Kidston DNA. The blue shaded areas represent the three bays used to provide negotiated transmission services to the Kidston DNA (the Network Substation Dedicated Facilities). The Aurumfield Switching Station (DNA Component 2) is divided into DNA Component 2 (Shared) and DNA Component 2 (Dedicated Connection Bays). The grey shaded areas represent the DNA Component 2 (Dedicated Connection Bays) allocated to the Foundation Proponent.
Main Components of the connection
The table below describes the main components of the Kidston DNA and associated assets.
| No | Asset Component | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DNA Component 1 | 275kV single circuit transmission line between Guybal Munjan Substation and Aurumfield Switching Station and associated easements |
| 2 | DNA Component 2 | 275kV Aurumfield Switching Station and associated access easement |
| 2a | DNA Component 2 (Shared) | 275kV Aurumfield Switching Station and associated access easement, less the DNA Component 2 (Dedicated) Connection Bays. |
| 2b | DNA Component 2 (Dedicated Connection Bays) | The connection bays used to connect Existing Connected Parties to the Aurumfield Switching Station. |
Refer to the hybrid general arrangement drawings for Aurumfield Switching Station and Guybal Munjan Substation for further details.
Kidston DNA capacity
The Kidston DNA is primarily limited by the thermal capacity of DNA Component 1 (the 275kV transmission line between Guybal Munjan Substation and Aurumfield Switching Station). DNA Component 1 is comprised of a single circuit which has a limiting transfer capacity of 576 MVA (refer to Table 1 in the Kidston DNA Access Operational Protocol for further details). Note the DNA Capacity is subject to non-DNA limitations/constraints/conditions existing, from time to time, on the Shared Transmission Network that impact the maximum capacity into, across and out of the Kidston DNA.
Powerlink will engage with an Applicant in more detail about its desired Agreed DNA Transfer Limit for DNA Service 1 for a proposed connection project prior to and/or after a DNA Access Request has been submitted.
Facilities of Existing Connected Parties and Conditional Proponents
| Project | Nameplate capacity (MW) | Agreed DNA Transfer Limit (MVA |
|---|---|---|
| Kidston Pumped Hydro | 253 Generation/320 Load | 272 Generation/344 Load |
A congestion management scheme will be introduced to manage access to the transfer capacity of the line during Kidston DNA congestion.
DNA component limitations
| No | Description (collectively “Component Limitations”) | DNA Capacity | DNA Capacity following upgrade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Kidston DNA is limited by the thermal, voltage control and dynamic stability constraints of the DNA Component 1 which is configured as a single 275kV circuit between the Network Substation and DNA Component 2 in its pre-contingent, system normal state. | With a single circuit in service: 576 MVA1. During a DNA Contingency Event: 0 MVA. | Upgrade with second circuit (same rating as the existing Kidston DNA circuit). Following this upgrade, the DNA Thermal Capacity with both circuits in service is: 899 MVA1. During a sustained DNA Contingency Event: 576 MVA1. |
DNA Access Operational Protocol
Read the current DNA Access Operational Protocol for the Kidston DNA.
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