Project EnergyConnect (PEC)

Completed

2022 – 2023

Bundey, SA

Project EnergyConnect (PEC)

Project EnergyConnect’s route passes though renewable energy zones in South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria. This means future renewable projects in these areas will be able to connect to the grid and supply new energy into the network. Project EnergyConnect will deliver a range of direct benefits for consumers in South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria including lower power prices, improved energy security and increased economic activity.

Overview

Project EnergyConnect is a major energy transmission development spanning 900km to link the NSW, VIC, and SA electricity grids. It improves the reliability and security of power supply and supports future renewable energy connections. The NSW-Western Section covers 135km, connecting South Australia to Buronga and includes a 22km upgrade to the NSW/Victoria border.

Construction began in 2022 across various sites. The NSW-Eastern Section, approved in September 2022 and December 2022 by NSW and Commonwealth governments respectively, involves 375km of new 330kV transmission from Buronga to Dinawan, and 160km of 500kV lines from Dinawan to Wagga Wagga, with upgrades ongoing at key substations. Early works commenced in mid-2023, with tower installations completed in early 2024.

Over a span of two years, the project was successfully completed, meeting stringent technical challenges while adhering to safety, timeline, and budgetary requirements set by ElectraNet. The project’s achievements extend beyond technical success to encompass environmental stewardship, community engagement, preservation of cultural heritage, and fostering human development. This comprehensive approach emphasizes the project’s positive impact and contribution to South Australia’s sustainable energy goals

CPP scope of works

Project EnergyConnect (PEC) represents a significant milestone in South Australia’s energy infrastructure upgrade. ElectraNet entrusted CPP with the complete Sub Stations contract, emphasizing its pivotal role in advancing the state towards a renewable energy future. The project encompassed essential components, including significant design and construction upgrades to the existing Tungkillo and Robertstown substations, transmission line installations, multiple upgrades across remote locations statewide, and the construction of a new 275/330kV substation at Bundey.

Bundey Substation:
Includes design, installation, and commissioning of:

3 x 330kV and 3 x 275kV Transformer Bays
275kV and 330kV Gantry Systems
Strung Bus and earth wire configurations
2 x 275kV Transmission Line Bays to Robertstown Substation
3 x 400MVA 330kV / 275kV Transformers
1 x 275kV Capacitor Bank
2 x 60MVAr Reactors

Robertstown Substation:

Upgrade existing substation to connect new high-capacity transmission lines from Bundey
Remove 275kV line crossings on the northern side of the substation

Tungkillo Substation:

Design and construct a segment of the Robertstown to Para line at Tungkillo
Convert line into two separately switchable lines
Install new switching bays at Tungkillo
Implement protection and control system changes at Robertstown and Para substations