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 West is proud to announce its most significant milestone yet with the successful connection of NSW, Victoria and South Australia electricity grids.

The EnergyConnect team have now completed the first stage of the project, an expansion of the Buronga substation into one of the largest facilities 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. Tower foundations, assembly and erections are continuing Line 2 from Buronga to Dinawan, near Coleambally NSW and Line 5 from Dinawan to Wagga Wagga. Stringing works are also well underway on Line 2 and have recently commenced on Line 5.

Works are also continuing across EnergyConnects three substations:

Remainder of Buronga substation – Construction continuing with precomissioing works expected to commence in April 2025.

Dinawan Substation – Bundure, near Coleambally NSW. Detailed civil works including foundations are continuing with works starting to transition from civil to mechanical.

Wagga Wagga Substation – Final stages of civil and mechanical works ongoing. High voltage and low voltage electrical works are underway with commissioning works also progressing.

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

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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

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