EnergyConnect

EnergyConnect is Australia’s largest energy transmission project. It involves building a new 900km transmission line to connect the energy grids in New South Wales (NSW), Victoria (VIC) and South Australia (SA). This will help improve reliability and security of electricity supply and allow for future connections from renewable energy sources.

This Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) project is a key element of the Australian Energy Market Operator's Integrated System Plan for a more sustainable energy future.

With planning approvals obtained, construction is underway. The EnergyConnect Project Brochure provides an overview of the project. 

EnergyConnect is proud to announce its most significant milestone yet with the successful connection of the NSW, Victoria and South Australia power grids and integration into the National Electricity Market (NEM). 

The EnergyConnect team has completed the first stage of the project, EnergyConnect West, an expansion of the Buronga substation the largest and most complex facility of its kind in Australia and delivery of new transmission lines from the substation to the South Australia border (Line 1) and Red Cliffs in Victoria (Line 4). 

The energisation of Line 1 stretching 135km on 31 October followed the commissioning on Line 4 (24km) in September, with all three states now connected via the expanded Buronga substation.

Removal of the old tower structures on Line 4 has also now been successfully completed with rehabilitation works ongoing.

Works on EnergyConnnect East between Buronga and Wagga Wagga are progressing well. All transmission tower foundations are complete and tower, assembly, erection and line stringing activities are well advanced on Line 2 from Buronga to Dinawan substation, near Coleambally, and Line 5 from Dinawan to Wagga Wagga.

Works are also continuing across EnergyConnect's network of substations: 

Wagga Wagga substation - An extensive program of civil, mechanical and electrical works to expand the substation and prepared for connection to the new transmission line was completed in June 2025.

Buronga substation – the second stage of the substation's expansion to prepare the site for connection to EnergyConnect East, and ultimately deliver the full 800mW transfer capacity of the interconnector is nearing completion.

Dinawan Substation – Civil and electromechanical works are well-advanced at the site. The machinery hall to house two synchronous condensors is complete and these units have been delivered to site for installation and testing. 

For more information about EnergyConnect construction activities, visit EnergyConnect - Elecnor (secureenergyjv.com.au). You can also reach the project team by calling 1800 49 06 66 or by email at pec.community@elecnor.es

See work notifications here

Transgrid is partnering with ElectraNet to deliver EnergyConnect. ElectraNet is building the South Australian component and Transgrid is building in NSW. The NSW component, which is being delivered by our construction partner, Elecnor Australia, is split into two sections:

NSW-Western Section 

• The NSW Government approved the EnergyConnect NSW–Western Section in September 2021.
• Work involves building around 135km of new 330kV transmission line infrastructure between the SA border and Buronga and upgrading about 22km of existing 220kV transmission between the Buronga substation and the NSW/Victoria border.
• Extension of Buronga Substation to accommodate the new 330Kv and 220kv circuits which also involved installation of specialised substation equipment like Phase Shift Transformers and Synchronous Condensers
• Construction started in 2022 with both lines now constructed and testing and commissioning works complete for energisation.

NSW-Eastern Section

• In September 2022 the NSW Government approved the NSW-Eastern Sectionfollowing a thorough review of the project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Commonwealth Government approved the NSW-Eastern Section in December 2022 following assessment by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. 
• The Eastern section involves building around 375km of new 330kV transmission line between Buronga and the new Dinawan substation (Bundure), near Coleambally as well as just over 160km of 500kV transmission line infrastructure from Dinawan to Wagga Wagga. Upgrades are also currently underway at the existing substations at Buronga and Wagga Wagga.
• Work started in mid-2023. Transmission tower construction is progressing on both Line 2 between Buronga and Dinawan (Bundure) and Line 5 from Dinawan to Wagga Wagga.

For a more detailed view of the EnergyConnect route, please visit our Interactive map.

We strive to create lasting benefits in the communities in which we work. Some key initiatives in place as part of EnergyConnect include:

• Toll-free phone number: 1800 49 06 66
• Email: pec@transgrid.com.au

Subscribe for updates