The Olympic Dam operation is connected to the state electricity supply grid via transmission lines from Port Augusta and Pimba. At present, the average load is 120 megawatts.

The proposed development may require about 300-400 megawatts of additional power.

What options are being investigated?

Possible power sources being investigated to meet the base load are:

• an additional transmission line from the state electricity supply grid
• natural gas pipeline and onsite power generation
• renewable options are being assessed to augment the base load requirement.

What is the currently preferred option?

An additional transmission line from the state electricity supply grid supplemented by renewable energy is being considered.