Three states linked as first lines go live on nation’s largest transmission project

In a huge step for Australia’s clean energy transition, NSW, Victoria and South Australia have been successfully connected by the nation’s largest transmission project EnergyConnect.

The critical project enables renewable energy to be shared directly between the three states for the first time.

Transgrid CEO Brett Redman said: “Inter-network testing has commenced on these new lines - allowing the transfer of renewable energy directly between NSW, South Australia and Victoria for the first time.

“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.

“Transgrid is expanding interstate connections to increase security and reliability of supply across the National Electricity Market. By providing consumers with access to the lowest cost generation available, this project will be a gamechanger for energy consumers.”

Transgrid and its partners are delivering the 700km NSW section of the project from Wagga Wagga to the South Australian border, with a connection to Red Cliffs in Victoria. 

New transmission lines from EnergyConnect’s largest substation at Buronga, in south-western NSW, to the South Australian border, and across the Murray River to Red Cliffs in Victoria, have been safely energised.

“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.

“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.”

Rafael Martin de Bustamante, Elecnor’s Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, said: “A wide range of highly skilled people have worked on this milestone and the one thing they all have in common is a determination, drive and commitment to getting the job done.

“This can-do approach is reflected in our commitment to building Australia’s transition to a clean energy future. We are immensely proud of the result.”

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has commenced the inter-network testing to ensure the western section of EnergyConnect can safely supply 150MW of power between NSW, South Australia and Victoria.

Construction continues on the remaining 540km eastern section of EnergyConnect between Buronga and Wagga Wagga. More than 1,000 people are currently working on the delivery of two new transmission lines and a major substation.

Fast facts:

Line from Buronga, NSW to South Australian border
330kV voltage

• 135km length
• 291 towers, using 6,000 tonnes of steel
• 1,366 concrete tower foundations
• 1,900km of conductor cabling

Line from Buronga, NSW to Red Cliffs, Victoria 

• 220kV voltage
• 24km length
• 79 monopoles and foundations
• Drones used to string conductor cabling across the Murray River
• 288km of conductor cabling

Media enquiries: Mark Nolan 0429 047 136