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Transmission Lines Id95899941 C2 A9 Waraphotwapakpet Dreamstime com
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Transmission Lines Id95899941 C2 A9 Waraphotwapakpet Dreamstime com
Transmission Lines Id95899941 C2 A9 Waraphotwapakpet Dreamstime com
Transmission Lines Id95899941 C2 A9 Waraphotwapakpet Dreamstime com

Transmission Project to Support Renewable Energy Generation in Australia

June 10, 2020
Project to enable energy sharing between New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia; support growth in renewable energy generation.

More than 850 Australian businesses have registered their interest in working with TransGrid on one of the nation's largest energy infrastructure projects, EnergyConnect.

TransGrid and ElectraNet will soon lodge a contingent project application with the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) for final project approval. If approved, the project will provide an opportunity for businesses across a number of areas to be involved in the transmission project, which is expected to commence construction in late 2021.

The proposed development of the 900-km electricity interconnector will enable the sharing of energy between New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia; lower wholesale energy costs; and support growth in renewable energy generation.

The AER approved the regulatory investment test for transmission (RIT-T) for EnergyConnect in January. If the project is approved, it will be built near identified renewable energy zones (REZs), to allow future renewable energy projects to connect to the grid.

EnergyConnect has been identified as a priority project in both the Australian Energy Market Operator's (AEMO) Integrated System Plan and the New South Wales government's Transmission Infrastructure Strategy.

"We are encouraging Australian businesses to get involved in EnergyConnect, a major infrastructure project being developed by TransGrid and ElectraNet," said Sean McGoldrick, executive manager of major projects, TransGrid. "EnergyConnect will provide around 1500 jobs and deliver an economic benefit of US$4 billion to New South Wales."

TransGrid will deliver EnergyConnect with a lead contractor and local businesses are encouraged to submit an expression of interest (EOI) via the Industry Capability Network. Work packages include civil engineering, quarry products, haulage, logistics, traffic management, concreting, fencing, and workforce accommodation.

EnergyConnect will also look to set new benchmarks in ATSI workforce participation, with indigenous-owned businesses expected to play a substantial role in project delivery. It is expected to be fully commissioned by 2023.

For more information on EnergyConnect, visit here.

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