The two major construction contracts have been awarded for the South Australian component of Project EnergyConnect, the new high-voltage electricity interconnector with New South Wales.

ElectraNet Chief Executive, Steve Masters, said Downer Utilities Australia Pty Ltd has been awarded the transmission lines contract and Consolidated Power Projects Australia Pty Ltd has been awarded the substations contract.

“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,” Mr Masters said.

“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.

“Transmission line works include approximately 200 kilometres of 330 kV new transmission line between the SA/NSW border and the new Bundey Substation near Robertstown, and approximately 10 km of new transmission line between the Robertstown and Bundey substations.

“The substation works include construction of the new Bundey Substation and augmentation works at the existing Robertstown and Tungkillo substations.

“With the contractors now appointed, more information about opportunities for subcontractors to support the delivery of the project will become available.

“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. Works are anticipated to start late this year with commissioning under way in 2023.

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