Construction on the EnergyConnect transmission line is making significant strides, particularly in the eastern section of the project. This 700-kilometer infrastructure initiative, jointly led by Transgrid and Elecnor Australia, is set to deliver considerable economic and social benefits to the Riverina region while supporting Australia's transition to cleaner energy.
The EnergyConnect project stretches from Wagga Wagga in New South Wales to the South Australian border, extending into Victoria. It plays a crucial role in enhancing the region’s energy infrastructure, facilitating the shift to renewable energy sources.
Gordon Taylor, Executive General Manager of Major Projects at Transgrid, emphasized the strategic importance of the Riverina in this context. "The Riverina is central to our clean energy transition and stands to benefit as this critical project progresses," Taylor said. He noted that EnergyConnect is already contributing to the local economy, with job creation, skills development, and support for local businesses and community services among the key benefits.
Currently, more than 1,000 workers are involved in constructing the 540-kilometer eastern segment of the transmission line, which runs between Wagga Wagga and Buronga. The project has also seen substantial investment in local communities, with over $158 million spent on contracts with 197 local and First Nations businesses along the 700-kilometer route. In the Riverina region, more than 80 businesses have been engaged, generating a $55 million investment.
Riverina businesses are playing a significant role in supporting the project by supplying goods and services. Taylor expressed satisfaction with these collaborations, stating, "We are proud to be working with Riverina communities and businesses to deliver this nation-critical project, which will provide cleaner and cheaper renewable energy to families and businesses, and help Australia meet its emissions reduction targets."
Elecnor Australia’s Project Director, Felipe Delgado, provided updates on construction milestones, reporting that 55 percent of the total project tower foundations have been completed, with a significant portion of this work occurring on the eastern alignment. Efforts in tower assembly, erection, and stringing are also progressing as planned.
On the western alignment, the construction of the 135-kilometer line between Buronga and the South Australian border is nearing completion. Commission testing is underway at the Buronga substation, one of the largest and most complex in the Southern Hemisphere. Additionally, stringing works on the line extending from Buronga to Red Cliffs in Victoria are advancing steadily.