The developer of New South Wales (NSW) Eastern section of the EnergyConnect, Transgrid, has announced 70% completion of the section in the $3.6 billion transmission project.
The Eastern section of the 700 km NSW EnergyConnect corridor in the Riverina region, between Buronga and Wagga Wagga is currently gearing up with 1,600 active workers. The 70% completion milestone is denoted by major substation constructions near Coleambally and Wagga Wagga among other developments.
EnergyConnect Transmission Project Factsheet
Total route length: 900 km
Project sections: 2 – NSW and South Australia (SA)
NSW sections: 135 km Western section from SA border to Buronga and 540 km Eastern section from Buronga to Wagga Wagga
Developers: Transgrid (NSW), ElectraNet (SA)
Contractors: Elecnor Australia, SecureEnergy
SA construction timeline: Completed in December 2023
NSW Western section construction timeline: Completed earlier 2025
NSW Eastern section construction timeline: To be complete by September 2026
The 70% Milestone on NSW Eastern Section of EnergyConnect
The portion majorly covers two sections of the high-voltage transmission line. This stretches 540 km from Buronga to Wagga Wagga. Also in sight is the construction of a “world-class” substation at Coleambally. According to Transgrid, major foundation works have been completed, and currently in-transit are electrical equipment from Europe.
The Wagga Wagga substation has also been upgraded and its construction marked complete. The substation is important to this part of the transmission corridor because it serves as the connector gateway of the Eastern end of the project for connection to the NSW grid.
The milestone has also achieved:
- Laying 1,150 tower foundations
- Erection of 1,002 of 1,150 steel towers
- Stringing of 278 km of 540 km high-conductor cabling
- Arriving of two synchronous condensers at the Dinawan substation
The EnergyConnect Project
This is Australia’s largest energy transmission project. It spans a total of 900 km between three regions: NSW, SA, and Victoria. Transgrid is partnering with ElectraNet to deliver EnergyConnect. ElectraNet built the SA component and Transgrid is building in NSW. The NSW component of the project is also divided into two sections: Western and Eastern.
Project developer, Transgrid, and EPC contractor, Elecnor Australia, are teamed up for the NSW component of EnergyConnect. They will deliver the 700 km NSW section of the EnergyConnect project. This section starts from SA/NSW border to Buronga (Western section); then Buronga to Wagga Wagga via the new Dinawan Substation (Eastern section). Buronga will also connect to Red Cliffs for the Victorian Spur Line – covering approximately 24 km.
Project Impact
The project has so far created over 1,500 jobs and injected a considerable financial amount into the local economy. According to the company, over $250 million has been used in support of local businesses in the Riverina, Murray, and Sunraysia regions. This also extends to First Nations contractors.
Also developed by the project is the Legacy 100 Program. This is aimed at training 100 workers in transmission line construction. The program will also offer 100 scholarship at Charles Sturt University for engineering students.
Alongside these benefits are those that the EnergyConnect Transmission Project deems technical baseline. These include improving reliability and security of electricity supply and allowing for future connections from renewable energy sources.
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