Connecting the energy transition

Construction of Australia’s largest transmission project is powering ahead, with hundreds of workers building the EnergyConnect interconnector.

Transgrid and its construction partner Elecnor Australia are delivering the 700km New South Wales segment of EnergyConnect, which extends from Wagga Wagga to the South Australian border, with a link to Red Cliffs in Victoria.  In November 2024, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia were successfully connected when the two lines on EnergyConnect’s western alignment were energised for internetwork testing. The completion of the 135km 330kV transmission line from Buronga, New South Wales to the South Australian border and the 24km 220kV line from Buronga to Red Cliffs in Victoria allows the transfer of renewable energy directly between the three states for the first time.

Internetwork testing by the Australian Energy Market Operator ensures that EnergyConnect can operate as required to deliver 150MW of power between New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria.

From west…

EnergyConnect also reached another significant milestone in 2024, with the integration of the initial section of the new Buronga substation.

The 16ha substation is set to become one of the largest and most advanced in the Southern Hemisphere, equipped with five phase-shifting transformers, two synchronous condensers and four shunt reactors.

Transgrid CEO, Brett Redman, said that the utility is expanding interstate connections to increase security and reliability of supply across the National Electricity Market and provide consumers with access to the lowest‑cost generation available.

“The energisation of these new lines has taken millions of hours, and I’d like to thank everyone who has played a role in delivering Australia’s largest transmission project,” Mr Redman said.

“I would also like to specially recognise the landowners and local communities along the western alignment who have worked closely with us to deliver this nation-critical project. We are pleased to have delivered social and economic benefits to them – including jobs, support for local businesses, education and training opportunities and community grants.”

…to east

Meanwhile, construction efforts are intensifying on the project’s 540km eastern alignment, with hundreds of workers delivering two transmission lines between Buronga and Wagga Wagga and a world-class substation at Dinawan, near Coleambally.

Hundreds of workers are being accommodated at camps at Lockhart, Dinawan and the Cobb Highway, near Hay, as tower foundation, assembly and erection works move into overdrive.  The camps relieve pressure on limited housing in local communities, reduce travel to construction sites and ensure the health and wellbeing of workers with quality living amenities.

Additionally, work is progressing on the 330kV Dinawan substation with foundation works being completed before sophisticated electrical equipment is delivered and installed on‑site. Once completed, the substation will enhance power flows between New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia to support new electricity generation in renewable energy zones.

Power to the people

EnergyConnect is also providing an economic boost to local communities along the project alignment, with more than $200 million invested with 230 local and First Nations businesses to date.

Transgrid Executive General Manager of Stakeholder, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Maryanne Graham, said that regional communities are at the forefront of the clean energy transition, benefiting from local investment and job opportunities as this critical project progresses.

“EnergyConnect is delivering substantial social and economic benefits, including employment, skills development, education, and support for local businesses,” she said.

“Our commitment to local procurement fosters business growth and creates lasting job pathways, contributing to a meaningful social legacy for regional Australia. We are proud to collaborate with regional communities and businesses to deliver this essential interconnector, which will provide access to cleaner, more affordable renewable energy and help Australia achieve its emissions reduction targets.”

Regional New South Wales businesses supplying the project have included Kurrajong Timber (Wagga Wagga), Absolute Mesh and Steel (Wagga Wagga), Kennards Hire (Wagga Wagga), Sturt Motel (Balranald), BDS Automotive (Balranald), BIG4 Holiday Park (Deniliquin), and Caruso Bros. Transport (Deniliquin).

Absolute Mesh and Steel Director, Wayne Green, said EnergyConnect has provided a big boost to the Wagga-based business that he established in 2016.

Mr Green said his business is supplying hundreds of tonnes of reinforcing bar for concrete foundations.

“The project has had a very positive impact, helping us to break into the larger commercial area whereas previously we focused only on residential and medium-sized commercial development,” he said.

“EnergyConnect has allowed us to employ additional people and reinvest in the business by installing automated machinery and putting another vehicle on the road.”

Clean, green, transmission machine

In 2024, EnergyConnect became the first electricity transmission project in Australia to receive an official sustainability rating, which recognised a series of industry-leading sustainability initiatives in the design and delivery of the critical interconnector.

The Infrastructure Sustainability Council awarded EnergyConnect the highest design rating of ‘Leading’.

“We are going above and beyond to set the benchmark in sustainability best practice for the future pipeline of energy transmission projects across the country,” Mr Redman said.

“We are delivering real sustainable outcomes with innovative solutions to reducing our carbon footprint, minimising the use of energy and water, protecting valuable biodiversity, decreasing waste, and building in resilience against forecast climate impacts.

“Transgrid is delivering the nation’s critical transition to a clean energy future in a sustainable way by designing and constructing our critical transmission infrastructure to optimise environmental, social and economic outcomes.”

Transgrid and Elecnor Australia have also successfully rolled out the nation-leading Legacy 100 program to boost skills in the power transmission sector across regional New South Wales.

Participants complete formal and practical training on EnergyConnect, gaining valuable qualifications, knowledge and experience in building high-voltage electricity towers and lines.

Executive General Manager of Major Projects, Gordon Taylor, said Transgrid is committed to investing in the nation’s energy workforce to address skills and jobs shortages and support Australia’s great transition to clean energy.

“Legacy 100 has helped to grow Australia’s own riggers and doggers and reduce reliance on overseas trained workers. Program participants will form the backbone of the future workforce in the transmission tower construction industry as thousands of kilometres of new lines are built to support our renewable energy future,” Mr Taylor said.

Graduate Ally Tahau, from Adelaide, left sheep shearing to join Legacy 100.

“We have learnt so much with this program. It’s been absolutely fantastic. We’ve got four tickets, we’ve had heaps of on-site experience,” she said.

“This has been probably one of the best opportunities I’ve had in my life. I think it’s great for females to be getting out on the job and doing such high-risk work.”

Mr Redman said EnergyConnect, along with Transgrid’s HumeLink and VNI West, will revolutionise the NEM.

“EnergyConnect is our first big transmission project in 30 years and it’s the absolute bow wave for Australia’s energy transition. It will provide system security and access to cleaner and cheaper electricity for consumers well into the future.”