Homes, businesses and communities across the Eyre Peninsula now have a more secure power supply following the completion of Eyre Peninsula Link.
Eyre Peninsula Link is a new 270-kilometre double-circuit 132 kV high-voltage transmission line from Cultana to Port Lincoln, via Yadnarie, constructed with 500 new transmission towers and upgrades to five ElectraNet substations.
ElectraNet Chief Executive, Simon Emms, said after two years of construction and over five years of planning, the new line is now powering the Eyre Peninsula.
“Eyre Peninsula Link is a significant investment in the region, giving residential and business electricity users a more secure and reliable power supply,” Simon said.
“As well as improving supply reliability, the new line future proofs the region’s high-voltage electricity supply to support growth and renewable energy development.
“Delivery of the project supported many local and South Australian businesses, which was a key focus in the lead up to and throughout construction.
“About $57 million was spent with South Australian businesses, of which more than $22 million was with Eyre Peninsula businesses.
“There were about 200 workers on average involved in delivering the project, peaking at 300 early in 2022. These were workers who were spending money locally on things like food and drink, accommodation and fuel, which has been great for the local economies.
“Local subcontractors and suppliers represented about 15 per cent of the workforce, delivering works ranging from fencing through to minor civil works along the transmission line route.”
Simon said Eyre Peninsula Link has been one of the biggest construction projects undertaken by ElectraNet and he would like to thank everyone that supported its delivery.
“When undertaking a project of this scale, support and collaboration from everyone who is impacted by or delivering it is vital,” Simon said.
“Specifically, I would like to thank the Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation (BDAC) for the significant contribution it has made to the project and its steadfast support in the important role of protection of cultural heritage in the field. BDAC has been a major contributor to the success of the project.
“ElectraNet recognises the huge commitment this project was for the Barngarla community and sincerely thank them for their efforts.
“We also appreciated the ongoing support from ElectraNet landholders, local councils and the substantial hours of work dedicated by the entire ElectraNet and Downer project teams.
“Despite the challenging weather conditions and ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was successfully delivered, which is a huge achievement and a credit to all involved.”
The old transmission line was over 50 years old and needed substantial investment to replace worn out components to ensure customer reliability. Following comprehensive investigations, it was determined a new transmission line was the best and most cost-effective solution to delivering reliable electricity supply to customers across the Eyre Peninsula into the future.
The cost of the new transmission line was largely offset by avoiding the cost of replacement works on the existing transmission line and annual Port Lincoln generator network support payments, resulting in minimal net price impact for customers.