An integrated framework for systematically identifying optimal high-voltage transmission routes in renewable energy systems

An integrated framework for systematically identifying optimal high-voltage transmission routes in renewable energy systems | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Article An integrated framework for systematically identifying optimal high-voltage transmission routes in renewable energy systems Cheng Cheng, Andrew Blakers, Kylie Catchpole, Anna Nadolny, Timothy Weber, and 1 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6265951/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Global commitments to net-zero emissions, and increasing electricity demand, require an unprecedented scale of new transmission infrastructure. Yet, most existing planning approaches rely on simplified models or incremental upgrades, overlooking the complex interplay of renewable resource availability, grid balancing needs, and the challenges of routing lines across vast terrains. In this paper, we introduce an integrated transmission expansion planning method that seamlessly unifies strategic system-wide balancing with high-resolution Geographic Information System routing analysis. Using the Australian electricity system as a case study, we find that new high-voltage alternating-current lines can unlock large amounts of geographically optimal solar and wind resources while enhancing reliability, and that targeted high-voltage direct-current lines reduce system costs by up to 18% by bridging distant resource–demand mismatches during winter lulls. This comprehensive framework identifies major new corridors critical for rapid decarbonization and can be readily adapted to other regions facing similar challenges. Physical sciences/Energy science and technology/Renewable energy Physical sciences/Energy science and technology/Energy modelling Physical sciences/Energy science and technology/Energy infrastructure/Energy grids and networks Physical sciences/Engineering/Energy infrastructure/Energy grids and networks Scientific community and society/Energy and society/Energy supply and demand Full Text Additional Declarations There is NO Competing Interest. Supplementary Files SupplementaryInformation.docx Supplementary Information Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6265951","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":436941644,"identity":"a94127ef-4a48-4df8-8199-7e3effa16782","order_by":0,"name":"Cheng 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