ElectraNet to construct USD1.76 billion interconnector project in Australia

ElectraNet has confirmed Project EnergyConnect, the high-voltage electricity transmission interconnector between South Australia and New South Wales, will be built. the company will invest AUD457.4 million (USD354.15 million) to deliver the South Australian section of the interconnector from Robertstown to the New South Wales border.

South Australian households can expect to receive an average saving of around AUD 100 (USD77.42) a year on their electricity bills after the interconnector is energised with even higher savings for small businesses.

The transmission interconnector project involves a 900km high-voltage transmission interconnector between Robertstown, in South Australia’s mid-north, and Wagga Wagga, in New South Wales, via Buronga with an additional line between Buronga and Red Cliffs, in Victoria. The total line capacity is 800 MW enough to deliver energy to 240,000 extra households.

There will also be substantial economic benefits from the project’s AUD2.28 billion (USD1.76 billion) investment in critical infrastructure to the National Electricity Market (NEM). This includes 200 new jobs in South Australia during the construction phase of the project.

Subject to receiving all necessary approvals, project construction is expected to start on the South Australian section in late 2021 with commissioning of the new line under way in 2023.