Major contracts awarded for SA section of $2bn Project EnergyConnect

The South Australian section of the $2.3 billion Project EnergyConnect – also known as the SA-NSW Interconnector – has reached a new milestone with the award of two major construction contracts. 

Downer Utilities Australia Pty Ltd has been awarded the transmission lines contract while Consolidated Power Projects Australia Pty Ltd was awarded the substations contract. 

“As part of the project’s development and our commitment to South Australia energy customers, we undertook a comprehensive procurement process to ensure we got the best value for money and quality of works. 

“The awarding of these contracts is a significant milestone for this landmark electricity infrastructure project that will improve South Australia’s electricity security and reliability,” ElectraNet Chief Executive Steve Masters said. 

Scope of works under Downer’s $200 million contract will include the design, procurement and construction of: 

• A 330kV transmission line between Bundey Substation and the South Australian and New South Wales border 

• A 275kV transmission line between Bundey Substation and the existing Robertstown Substation 

“Downer is pleased to be involved in this critical infrastructure project which will improve power security and reliability to South Australia and the National Electricity Market as a whole,” Downer Chief Executive Officer Grant Fenn said. 

Downer is expecting to begin works in early 2022, with commissioning of the transmission line to get underway in 2023. 

On the other hand, Consolidated Power Projects Australia’s contract will include the construction of the new Bundey Substation as well as augmentation works at the existing Robertstown and Tungkillo substations. 

“With the contractors now appointed, more information about opportunities for subcontractors to support the delivery of the project will become available. 

“Both contractors have already been engaging extensively with the market and this will continue over the coming months. 

“ElectraNet also set up a page for sub-contractors to register their interest through the Industry Capability Network and this information will be shared with the project’s successful contractors,” Mr Masters said. 

ElectraNet reached Final Investment Decision to deliver the South Australian section of Project EnergyConnect – from Robertstown to the New South Wales border – in June 2021. 

The project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is currently under assessment by the State Government’s Planning and Land Use Services. 

Project map (source: Project EnergyConnect)

Project EnergyConnect will deliver a 900-kilometre transmission line that will run between Robertstown in South Australia and Wagga Wagga in New South Wales, with an additional connection to Red Cliffs in northwest Victoria. 

The project is expected to create approximately 200 jobs in South Australia and up to 1,500 jobs in New South Wales during its construction along with about 250 ongoing jobs in South Australia and 700 ongoing jobs in New South Wales from new energy generation projects enabled by the SA-NSW Interconnector. 

Source: Downer EDI Limited; Project EnergyConnect (1, 2); ElectraNet; PV Magazine Australia; Roads and Infrastructure Australia