Two major contracts have been awarded for the construction of the South Australian component of the EnergyConnect high voltage transmission line, which will run between South Australia and New South Wales.
Downer Utilities Australia was awarded a $200 million contract with ElectraNet to begin work on the project, with major construction commencing in early 2022.
Consolidated Power Projects Australia has been awarded the substations contract.
CEO of Downer, Grant Fenn, said, “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.”
ElectraNet Chief Executive, Steve Masters, said, “As part of the project’s development and our commitment to South Australian energy customers, we undertook a comprehensive procurement process to ensure we got the best value for money and quality for the 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.”
Downer will be responsible for approximately 200km of 330kV transmission line between Bundey Substation near Robertstown and the South Australian and New South Wales border.
Transmission line works will also include approximately 10km of 275kV transmission line between Bundey Substation and the existing Robertstown Substation.
Substation works will include augmentation works at the existing Robertstown and Tungkillo substations, as well as construction of the new Bundey Substation.
“With the contractors now appointed, more information about opportunities for subcontractors to support the delivery of the project will become available,” Mr Masters said.
“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.”
In June 2021, ElectraNet confirmed it had made a Final Investment Decision to deliver the South Australian section of the interconnector from Robertstown to the New South Wales border.
Project EnergyConnect’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is currently undergoing assessment by the South Australian Government’s Planning and Land Use Services.
TransGrid is responsible for the delivery of the New South Wales section of the interconnector.
Works are anticipated to start in late 2021, with commissioning under way in 2023.
