EnergyCo has signed a commitment deed to position Transgrid as the preferred network operator for the Hunter Transmission project, marking a key milestone for the project’s development.
The State Government said that the Hunter Transmission Project is critical for New South Wales’ energy security, involving a new high-voltage powerline that will transport affordable and reliable electricity from the state’s largest renewable energy zones to homes and businesses across the state.
The agreement sets out Transgrid’s commitment to deliver, operate and maintain the project. The utility will work with EnergyCo as the project is developed and as design and construction contractors are procured.
The New South Wales Government said the project will be delivered with a Hunter-first policy. Opportunities will be created to build on the Hunter region’s diverse economic skill base and grow local jobs.
Around 700 people will be needed during construction including labourers, engineers and electricians.
The Hunter Transmission Project involves building a new above-ground 500kV transmission line of around 100km between Bayswater in the Upper Hunter and Olney in the Lower Hunter to connect the existing 500kV transmission lines already operated by Transgrid.
This will help create a 500kV ring of transmission infrastructure that will provide the backbone of the state’s electricity grid for generations to come.
The appointment of Transgrid as network operator remains subject to execution of a final delivery contract between EnergyCo and Transgrid, award of design and construct packages and other necessary approvals for the project.
EnergyCo has shortlisted seven contractors for two key work packages as part of the Hunter Transmission Project.
The packages include:
- Transmission line package
- Acciona Genus Joint Venture
- Downer Utilities Australia Pty Ltd
- Gamuda Seymour Whyte Joint Venture
- UGL Engineering CPB Contractors Joint Venture
- Substation package
- Acciona Genus Joint Venture
- Consolidated Power Projects Australia Pty Ltd
- UGL Engineering Pty Ltd
EnergyCo is finalising the tender documents to be issued to shortlisted contractors and said it will continue engaging closely with the community, industry, local government and other stakeholders as the planning of the project progresses.
EnergyCo Chief Executive, Hannah McCaughey, said that the Hunter Transmission Project is critical and must be delivered to unlock reliable energy supply to power the state.
“The commitment deed is a significant milestone that allows EnergyCo and Transgrid to work collaboratively on project planning and approvals,” Ms McCaughey said.
“By creating a new 500kV transmission line and connecting it to existing infrastructure, the Hunter Transmission Project will form the backbone of New South Wales’s future electricity grid. This will enable the Hunter region to play a key role in our renewable energy future while driving economic growth.
“The announcement of seven shortlisted tenderers for the project marks a significant milestone in delivering critical infrastructure to secure New South Wales’ energy needs.”
Transgrid CEO, Brett Redman, also said that the Hunter Transmission Project is one of the state’s most critical energy projects, unlocking generation from new renewable energy zones and helping to provide energy security for the state as coal-fired power stations retire.
“We welcome EnergyCo’s vote of confidence in Transgrid as it plans this critical transmission link, which will help accelerate the clean energy transition and provide access to cleaner and cheaper energy to households and businesses,” Mr Redman said.
“The Hunter has been at the heart of our energy industry for decades and we look forward to continuing to work with the local community as the region continues to play an important role in the state’s clean energy transition.”
