Project EnergyConnect South Australia

22/12/2023

It’s official – ElectraNet has achieved construction completion of the South Australian side of Project EnergyConnect, the new SA-NSW interconnector!
We have successfully delivered 206km of new transmission lines from Robertstown in the mid-north of SA, through the new Bundey substation and on to the NSW border.
Project EnergyConnect will enable more renewable energy, improve reliability, and deliver price savings for customers, while strengthening ElectraNet’s position as a leader in energising South Australia’s clean energy future.
Thanks to landholders, Traditional Owners, local communities, and our major construction partners, Downer, Consolidated Power Projects Australia Pty Ltd and Telstra, for working with us to deliver this project of national significance.
Release of first power up to 150MW is planned for mid-2024 following Stage 1 construction completion and testing in NSW by Transgrid. Release of the full SA-NSW transfer capability of up to 800MW is planned for mid-2026, following Stage 2 completion in NSW.

It is with great pleasure ElectraNet announces the construction completion of the South Australian component of Project EnergyConnect (PEC).PEC is the larges...

01/11/2023

Positive engagement with landholders forms a critical part of our high voltage transmission projects and ongoing maintenance. It is essential that we understand their values and requirements in our planning and operations.
As part of Project EnergyConnect (PEC), the new interconnector between South Australia and New South Wales, ElectraNet has continuously engaged with landholders from the early works and as we approach construction completion. This has made the project a collaborative effort, setting the benchmark for large infrastructure projects that are advancing our state’s transition to clean energy.
Senior Development Advisor, Scott Haynes, caught up with Peter Cale, Manager and Principal Ecologist, with the Australian Landscape Trust at Calperum and Taylorville Stations, who shares his thoughts 👇
Our entire team is proud to work with landholders and communities to forge ongoing relationships as we energise South Australia's clean energy future together!

24/10/2023

With Project EnergyConnect (PEC) nearing construction completion on the SA side, ElectraNet has begun the environmental rehabilitation process around tower sites along the 205km route from Robertstown, through Bundey to the NSW border.
The SA side of PEC's high voltage transmission line has been a massive undertaking for ElectraNet and our construction partner, Downer, on this part of the project.
In related news, Downer and Meridian Helicopters Australia have successfully completed aerial stringing activities between 384 towers spanning 205km from Robertstown to Bundey and onto the NSW border. Aerial stringing has helped to ensure impacts to the surrounding environment along the route are minimised.
The SA side of PEC still has a few more milestones to reach before completion, but we’d like to take this opportunity to particularly thank Downer and Meridian Helicopters for their organisation and safe operation of this critical part of the project.
Environmental rehabilitation around these towers and other sites will promote native vegetation regrowth and help return sites to pre-construction conditions. Read more below about the process 👇
https://www.electranet.com.au/environmental-rehabilitation-begins-on-project-energyconnect/?fbclid=IwAR1LKLMhpTFMblkI56wsrCjdBv4iynd2gKPtvmPeL-p_OMPgmqdekGR99XA

22/08/2023

Construction for Project EnergyConnect (PEC) is on the home stretch on the South Australian side, approaching 80% completion! We are pleased to report that all 384 towers from the SA-NSW border to Bundey substation and onto Robertstown have been assembled, with stringing activities well under way. This project of national significance demonstrates ElectraNet's capabilities to deliver infrastructure that energises South Australia's Clean Energy Future, unlocking renewables development, strengthening the grid, and delivering savings for customers. Read more below ⚡
https://www.projectenergyconnect.com.au/article.php?id=77

10/08/2023

As part of Project EnergyConnect (PEC), the high voltage interconnector under construction between South Australia and New South Wales, ElectraNet has installed new fibre-optic cable and microwave radio equipment with our project partner, Telstra. These facilities will soon be energised, providing the essential communication capability needed to support the safe and secure operation of the transmission line between the new Bundey and Buronga substations. To find out more visit http://www.projectenergyconnect.com.au/article.php?id=76

31/07/2023

ElectraNet has achieved over 70% completion on the South Australian side of ( ), the new 900km high voltage between South Australia and New South Wales.
PEC will enable more renewable energy opportunities, improve reliability, and deliver price savings for consumers.
Gantry towers and transformers have been installed at the new Bundey substation and draw wire and conductor rollout is on schedule from the SA-NSW border to Robertstown.

05/05/2023

The South Australian side of Project EnergyConnect (PEC), the new interconnector with NSW, has reached over 50% construction completion!
Our construction partner, Downer Utilities, continues to assemble 330kV towers from the border to Bundey substation, with conductor stringing now taking place. Consolidated Power Projects Australia continues to build the new Bundey substation, which will be the largest in SA.
PEC will unlock renewable development, strengthen the grid and is expected to deliver annual savings of $127 for a typical residential power customer in SA, according to new independent analysis from ACIL Allen. Annual savings for larger business customers range from $6,000 to $18,000, depending on their level of electricity consumption. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3NAkgYy
The first stage of commissioning between Robertstown in SA and Buronga in NSW will take place early next year with release of initial power transfer planned for mid-2024.
Completion of the second stage from Buronga to Wagga Wagga in NSW is expected by the end of 2024, which will be followed by inter-network testing and planned release of full transfer capability by mid-2026.

21/04/2023

The largest transformers in South Australia’s high voltage network are now being installed at Bundey Substation as part of Project EnergyConnect (PEC).
Following extensive testing by Hyosung Corporation and making the journey from South Korea, these 275kV / 330kV transformers will play a critical role in stepping up the voltage to flow across this new energy highway within the National Energy Market.
PEC will unlock renewable energy development, strengthen the grid and drive down prices for customers, reinforcing our state’s position as a leader in the clean energy transition.

07/12/2022

There has been strong media interest this week in relation to a company called Clough, which were involved in the NSW component of Project EnergyConnect.

We would like to advise that Clough was not engaged by ElectraNet as part of our works on the project.

Work continues on the delivery of the South Australian component of Project EnergyConnect and it remains on track for first power by the end of 2023.

24/11/2022

Project EnergyConnect (PEC) is driving competition in the wholesale electricity market and will connect more, low-cost generation to the grid and support the ongoing transition to a lower carbon emissions future.

Recent weather events in South Australia highlights the need for greater interconnection with the National Electricity Market and PEC will make our system more resilient and put downward pressure on power prices for customers.

Chief Operating Officer, Rainer Korte, addressing the media today.

04/10/2022

Er****on of the first 330kV towers are underway for in South Australia and our contractor, Downer, has also completed 100 tower foundations!

In a changing energy landscape, transmission projects like Project EnergyConnect are vital to the successful transition of power systems across the nation.

We look forward to future progress on this flagship project for ElectraNet!

08/06/2022

A great story by Project EnergyConnect Project Director, Ralf Riccardi in the June edition of Energy Magazine. The story focuses on the project itself and how it will help support the transition of the electricity grid.

Transmission projects like Project EnergyConnect are expected to be integral to the successful transition of power systems.