Description:
EnergyConnect is a joint project between the Transmission Network Service Providers for New South Wales (Transgrid) and South Australia (ElectraNet) to join their state power grids via a new 330kV above ground transmission line interconnector between Robertstown SA and Wagga Wagga NSW substations, a total distance of approximately 900km and 800MW transfer capacity. The NSW section of the EnergyConnect is registered for IS v1.2 Design and As-built ratings and consists of approximately 700km of new transmission line extending from Wagga Wagga NSW to the South Australian Border.
EnergyConnect NSW includes:
- The construction of two new 330kV transmission lines and one new 500kV transmission line.
- A rebuild of an existing 220kV transmission line.
- An expansion and upgrade of the existing Buronga substation
- A new substation known as Dinawan, located between Jerilderie and Coleambally.
- An expansion of the existing Wagga Wagga substation.
EnergyConnect, once completed, will be Australia’s largest interconnector in the Australian National Electricity Market (NEM).
Rating Highlights
| Category | Credits | Achievements/Risks |
| Water | Wat-1 | The Project achieved a verified level of 3 with a score of 6.26.
The Project achieved a 31% reduction in construction water compared to the base case (1,702ML to 1,172ML). The two main water reduction strategies implemented include use of a non-water-based dust suppression alternative and use of grey water for worker accommodation camps. |
| Ecology | Eco-1 | The Project achieved a verified level of 3 with a score of 19.47.
The Project recorded a total of 7 threatened ecological communities, 14 threatened flora species and 7 threatened fauna species present across the project area. To avoid impacts to the high biodiversity and culturally sensitive sites, the following initiatives were implemented:
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| Legacy | Leg-1 | The Project achieved a verified level of 3 with a score of 4.63.
The Project address two priority issues and initiatives for the local communities along the project alignment: local employment, training and education and ecological habitat. In response to the first priority issue, the Project implemented a multi-million-dollar Legacy 100 program to train Australia’s own transmission line construction workforce and a $2 million scholarship fund for engineering students at Charles Strut University. |
Verified Innovations
| Name | Verification Date | Project Publication sign off | Innovation Type | Description & Sustainability Benefits |
| Guyed Towers | 30/01/2024 | ☒ | Innovative Technology or Process
State First |
The Project received 1 point for this innovation.
The Project has claimed a NSW first for constructing a transmission line that utilises 330 kV guyed steel lattice structures (or guyed towers). The guyed towers are structures with a central steel column supported by four high-tensile steel cables (guy wires), each 35 mm thick. The guy wires are anchored to the ground providing the structure strength and stability. The sustainability benefits from this innovation include:
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| V2.1 Lan-4 | 30/01/2024 | ☐ | Innovation Challenge (IC-9) | The Project received 0.5 points for piloting the v2.1 Lan-4 credit and providing feedback to ISC. |
| V2.1 Eco-1 | 30/01/2024 | ☐ | Innovation Challenge (IC-1) | The Project received 1 point for undertaking and addressing Levels 1,2, and 3 of v2.1 Eco-1. |
| V2.1 Leg-1 | 30/01/2024 | ☐ | Innovation Challenge (IC-1) | The Project received 0.25 points for undertaking and addressing Levels 1,2, and 3 of v2.1 Leg-1. |
Certification Risk Assessment
| Risk Description | Rating (M/H/Ex) | Controls | Residual Risk |
| A Penalty Notice was issued by DPE for a grassfire incident that occurred on L4 back in February 2023. The Penalty Notice was issued for failing to comply with Condition D47 of the Project Approval. | Low | NA | Low |
| The project is subject to allegations pertaining to site safety and safe work conditions.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-07/etu-safety-concerns-energyconnect-transmission-line-construction/102984916 |
Low | Project has not disclosed any fines or penalties associated with these allegations in response to ISC’s request (refer to Design Round 2 Verification Feedback email). None of the allegations have been substantiated. | Low |