ElectraNet and TransGrid are partnering
to deliver an energy interconnector
between the power grids of South
Australia and New South Wales, with an
added connection to Victoria

Current status

Next Steps

What is an interconnector?

Enabling the transition of
Australia's energy network
to a greater mix of
renewables

The broad route passes though renewable energy zones in South Australia,
New South Wales and Victoria. This means future renewable projects in these areas
will be able to connect to the grid and supply new energy into the network.

Forecast Benefits

If approved, Project EnergyConnect would deliver a range of direct benefits
for consumers in South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria including
lower power prices, improved energy security and increased economic activity.

Opportunities will also be created for regional communities through job
creation and local procurement during construction and in the longer
term as new energy projects come online.

Lower Prices

Energy Security

Increased Economic Activity

• Approximately 200 jobs in SA and 1500 jobs in NSW will be created during construction
• Increase in real incomes in regions hosting the interconnector infrastructure by $163 million in SA and
  $209 million in NSW
• Enabling the development of new renewable projects at connection points and facilitating the growth of
  associated industries
• Creating approximately 250 ongoing jobs in SA and 700 ongoing jobs in NSW from new energy generation
  projects that would be enabled by the interconnector

• Enabling a greater mix of renewable energy generators to connect into the network
• Increasing reliability and confidence in electricity supply

• Typical residential electricity bills are estimated to be reduced annually by $100 in SA and $58-$64 in NSW
• Businesses can also expect higher savings, proportional to their energy use

Connecting Robertstown in
South Australia and Wagga Wagga
in New South Wales with a
connection to north west Victoria

Approximate total length of 900km

Connecting Robertstown to Wagga Wagga via Buronga
with an added connection to Red Cliffs

 

Studies are underway to assess environmental, social
and engineering considerations as part of environmental
and planning assessment processes and engineering design.
ElectraNet and TransGrid welcome stakeholder and
community feedback to inform these assessments.

Refining the Route

As the route is narrowed, we are meeting with
relevant landholders to discuss the proposal.
These discussions will be ongoing as feedback
is collected and the route is further refined.

ElectraNet and TransGrid are progressing with
the required environmental and planning
assessment processes.

There are ongoing opportunities for the community to provide feedback.
Sign up to project updates here.

Current engagement activities

Anticipated
Timelines

No construction works may begin on Project EnergyConnect until the relevant approvals have been received.

Construction commencing during 2021 is subject to gaining all necessary environmental and development approvals. Construction completion will occur progressively through 2022 to 2023. We continue to look for opportunities to deliver the project as early as possible.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

The National Electricity Market
(NEM) operates across the eastern
and southern states of Australia,
extending from far north Queensland
to western South Australia

Enabling future renewable energy projects to connect to the electricity grid

The NEM involves wholesale generation that is transported via high voltage transmission lines
from generators to large industrial energy users and to local electricity distributors, who deliver
it to homes and businesses.

Project EnergyConnect is
focused on delivering benefits
for customers, communities
and businesses

We are committed to open and transparent engagement with stakeholders and community members
across all phases of the project. Ongoing updates regarding how stakeholders and community
members can participate will be made available on the Project EnergyConnect website.

Project EnergyConnect will keep stakeholders and the community updated as engagement for the project progresses. This will include opportunities for members of local communities, relevant landholders and other stakeholders to provide input that will be considered during development of the project.

Contact Project EnergyConnect

For SA and general enquiries,
contact ElectraNet
Email: ProjectEnergyConnect@electranet.com.au
Phone: 1800 560 577

For NSW and Victoria enquiries,
contact TransGrid
Email: pec@transgrid.com.au
Phone: 1800 49 06 66

Sign up here for regular updates