An upgrade to the 330kV substation at Wagga Wagga is now complete, as Transgrid powers ahead with Australia’s largest transmission project, EnergyConnect.
An extensive program of civil, mechanical and electrical works, which began in October 2023, has now been finalised.
Transgrid said its Wagga Wagga substation is central to the nation-building EnergyConnect project, which provides a critical connection between New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria, allowing more affordable renewable energy to be shared across borders.
Originally commissioned in 1973, the 330kV substation connected the region with the Tumut 3 hydro power station. Transgrid said it will continue to play a critical role in the transmission network and in the clean energy transition, acting as a backbone of the system by linking renewable energy zones in the south-west of the state to the wider transmission network.
Transgrid Executive General Manager of Major Projects, Gordon Taylor, said EnergyConnect is critical to Australia’s clean energy future, and the completion of the Wagga Wagga substation is a welcome milestone in the transition to cleaner, more affordable energy for the households and businesses of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.
“The Wagga substation has historically played an important role in the transmission network and these upgrades will ensure it retains its critically important role as Australia transitions to a clean energy future,” he said.
The expansion to the substation has included two busbar extensions and four new transmission line double breaker bays to accommodate both new and existing infrastructure. These new additions are expected to increase the efficiency and reliability of the system.
The substation is now ready to connect to the new transmission line that is under construction between Wagga and the new Dinawan substation near Coleambally.
Transgrid partnered with Elecnor to build the 700km transmission line, which will help improve the reliability and security of electricity supply.
Elecnor Australia Project Director for EnergyConnect, Felipe Delgado, said, “The completion of the major extension and upgrade works at the Wagga Wagga substation is a testament to the dedication and technical excellence of our teams, suppliers, and subcontractors.
“This is a complex construction achievement that reflects our commitment to safely delivering high-quality energy infrastructure that will support communities for generations to come.”
