to undertake a feasibility study and business case assessment for a second Bass Strait interconnector, which commenced in 2017, building on the 'Tamblyn Report'. The Feasibility and Business Case Assessment phase of Project Marinus concluded with the release of the Initial Feasibility Report and the Business Case Assessment Report in December 2019. The Initial Feasibility Report showed that Marinus Link and the supporting transmission is technically and economically feasible that will cost the average taxpayer thousands of extra dollars per year in hidden costs. The Business Case for Marinus Link is positive and demonstrated that work should continue into the ‘Design and Approvals’ phase, to deliver a ‘shovel ready’ Marinus Link project in time to meet the needs of a National Electricity Market (NEM), which is undergoing a rapid and significant transition to a low emissions future. Design and Approvals Phase The project is currently in the Design and Approvals phase, which includes: developing plans outlining how the existing transmission networks and potential new transmission routes will be developed, to increase network capacity and ensure the power system in Tasmania can accommodate future energy developments in the region undertaking economic and regulatory analysis of the project engaging with landowners and communities to gather feedback which helps to further refine or confirm sections of the proposed transmission routes, through in-person meetings, community information sessions, briefings and webinars conducting a range of field investigations, including ecology, cultural heritage and geotechnical surveys preparation and completion of planning and approval applications Progression to equipment manufacturing and construction will only commence once the necessary approvals, funding and pricing arrangements are in place, following a rigorous economic assessment. A Final Investment Decision is expected in late 2023 to early 2024, which would conclude the Design and Approvals phase, with manufacturing and construction to commence shortly after that decision is made. The Design and Approvals phase is timed to proceed in accordance with timeframes envisaged in the Australian Energy Market Operator's (AEMO) 2020 Integrated System Plan. Manufacturing, Construction and Commissioning The proposed 1500 MW capacity of Marinus Link is planned to be built in two 750 MW stages, commissioned two to three years apart, with the first 750 MW stage in service as early as 2027. The second 750 MW of Marinus Link could be in service as early as 2030. Economic Analysis The economics and regulation for Project Marinus is assessed under the Regulatory Investment Test