EnergyConnect Project Update

Second half of nation’s biggest electricity grid project approved as construction powers ahead

Transgrid has welcomed the NSW Government’s final environmental approval for the eastern section of the nation’s biggest transmission project EnergyConnect, as works in the western section accelerate.

CEO Brett Redman said “We are pleased the NSW Minister for Planning has cleared the path for us to progress the second half of our $1.8 billion interconnector project.

"The Government has completed a thorough review of the Environmental Impact Statement for the around 540km eastern section of the project - just as we accelerate the construction efforts in the west of NSW.

“Works on the western section of Australia’s largest electricity transmission project are progressing well, with the construction of a 30-hectare camp to house hundreds of workers at Buronga, near Mildura, before crews prepare to assemble and erect the first of 1,500 steel towers.

“We are building the energy superhighway and EnergyConnect is the biggest project yet for Transgrid. The interconnector will enable sharing of energy between NSW and South Australia and Victoria for the first time, enable the integration of renewable generation and help the Federal Government achieve its climate change targets.

“EnergyConnect will also save NSW customers $180 million per year, create up to 1,500 jobs and contribute $4 billion in net benefits.”

Transgrid’s construction partner SecureEnergy JV started works in June, 2022 on the 135km western section of the project, between Buronga and the South Australian border. More than 200 people are already on the project, with delivery expected in late 2024.

A 30-hectare accommodation camp and laydown with office facilities is taking shape at Buronga, to accommodate up to 340 workers. The existing Buronga substation will also be expanded to become one of the largest in Australia. Another camp to house an additional 160 personnel is being built on Renmark Rd. Later this year, crews will build the foundations needed to erect the first of 1,500 towers, which will use approximately 30,000 tonnes of steel.

“Today’s planning approval adds momentum to this once in a generation transmission project that will reshape the National Electricity Market, making it possible for Australians to access cleaner and cheaper energy,” Mr Redman said.

The project is now proceeding for assessment by the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.