Conpower

Project Energy Connect: The largest energy transmission project in Australia.

To support Australia’s evolving energy landscape, Project Energy Connect was established to introduce a wider range of renewable energy resources. Project Energy Connect is now the largest energy transmission project in Australia. The project includes substations across New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria and 900km transmission line designed to link the energy grids together.

The goal of this initiative is to increase the integration of renewable energy, improve system reliability, and lower costs for consumers. It is expected to cost an estimated $2.28 billion upon completion, and was headed by TransGrid and ElectraNet, along with Consolidated Power Projects as one of the primary contractors for phase one.

The project has been divided into two stages, with the first having reached completion by ElectraNet and Consolidated Power Projects in December 2023. CPP delivered a major design and construction upgrade to the existing Tungkillo and Robertstown substations, as well as designing and constructing a new 275/330kv substation at Bundey in just under two years for ElectraNet.

Steve Cheesman, senior project manager for Consolidated Power Projects indicated the importance of the project. “SA is now fully renewable, but there is a case where there is a drive to export the renewable energy to other states commercially. There is also a drive for the nation, under the Albanese federal government to meet renewable energy targets by 2050”.

The Bundey Substation is home to South Australia’s largest electricity transformers, each weighing more than 250 tonnes when in operation. Multiple divisions of CPP were involved in the construction process, including Consolidated Power Industries (CPI), CPP Civil, and the Asset Management Services team.

Although Mr. Cheesman and his team found it difficult to maintain momentum throughout the project, they still managed to complete the project within 18 months, and on budget for ElectraNet. “We turned dirt on the 1st of May 2022, and energised on the 22nd of December 2023, which is a huge achievement for our team.”

Of the thirty electricians hired for the Bundey project, only ten were experienced to the level required to adequately complete the project. The remaining were trained throughout the project to meet the minimum requirements, which enhanced CPP’s workforce and individual employees’ skillsets. 

The second stage is currently in progress, and stretches from Buronga NSW to Wagga Wagga NSW, and is headed by TransGrid, along with their delivery partner, Elecnor Australia. The ‘EnergyConnect East’ project is expected to be completed by mid-2024.