EnergyConnect begins power transmission in the west
EnergyConnect has reached a major milestone, with electricity now flowing for the first time through its western section, marking a new chapter in Australia’s energy transformation.
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Australia: Spanning 900 km, the project is the country’s largest energy transmission initiative, directly linking the grids of New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria. As aging coal plants retire, EnergyConnect is designed to enhance grid stability and unlock cheaper, cleaner energy for millions of consumers.
Transgrid CEO Brett Redman called the milestone a pivotal moment for the National Electricity Market, saying: “We are now enabling the transfer of renewable energy across three states, increasing energy sharing and resilience while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.”
The Australian Energy Market Operator has completed inter-network testing on stage one, approving safe transfers of up to 150 MW. This will scale to 800 MW once stage two is complete.
Transgrid, in partnership with Elecnor Australia, is delivering the 700 km NSW section, while ElectraNet completed the 200 km SA segment. The project has already created over 1,500 jobs and injected more than $200 M into regional and Indigenous communities.
ElectraNet CEO Simon Emms hailed the project as transformative, positioning South Australia as a renewable energy exporter and reinforcing energy reliability across the region. Work is continuing on the eastern section between Buronga and Wagga Wagga.
Source: Energy Magazine
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