Transmission giant Transgrid says it has finally “energised” Australia’s biggest transmission link, after delays and major cost overruns on its 700 km part of Project EnergyConnect.
The project was to have been completed in 2026, and the South Australia link was done on time and on budget, but Transgrid has struggled with delays and costs that have pushed the budget out from $2.1 billion to $3.8 billion.
The project is considered crucial to boost the security and reliability of Australia’s main grid, help South Australia reach its stated target of 100 per cent “net” renewables by 2030, and support new generation essential to allow NSW to phase out the last of its coal fired generators.
The project, however, has also been criticised because it is considered too small – at 330 kV as opposed to 500 kV – to support much of the capacity that is available in the wind rich south-west of NSW.
“This critical interconnector has not been easy to deliver,” Transgrid CEO Brett Redman says in a speech to be delivered at the Australia Energy Week conference in Melbourne on Wednesday.
