Clough Elecnor JV to build part of $1.5bn SA-NSW energy interconnector

SecureEnergy, a joint venture between Clough and Elecnor, has been chosen as contractor to deliver a section of a massive energy interconnector project between South Australia and New South Wales. 

Project EnergyConnect is a joint project from ElectraNet and TransGrid, with ElectraNet delivering the South Australian section and TransGrid delivering the New South Wales section. 

The SecureEnergy joint venture will be undertaking engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of TransGrid’s portion of the project. Scope of works will include the delivery of four substations and about 700 kilometres’ worth of 330kV transmission line. 

“The Australian energy sector is undergoing development of the infrastructure that will sustain it through the future growth of our nation. Clough is extremely proud to be selected for this project and to continue to be part of the Energy portfolio,” Clough CEO Peter Bennett said. 

“SecureEnergy entering the Power Transmission sector in Australia represents a big milestone for the industry and will help in bringing more innovation and know-how to the market as well as upskilling the Australian workforce to support the upcoming electricity network transformation,” Elecnor Australia Managing Director Joseph de Pedro said. 

Project map (source: Project EnergyConnect)

Project EnergyConnect will be delivering a 900-kilometre transmission line that will run from Wagga Wagga in NSW to Robertstown in SA, with an additional connection to Red Cliffs in Victoria. 

The entire project is anticipated to create up to 200 jobs in SA and 1,500 jobs in NSW during construction as well as about 250 ongoing jobs in SA and 700 ongoing jobs in NSW once Project EnergyConnect is operational. 

Project EnergyConnect is a key part of the Australian Energy Market Operator’s Integrated System Plan which will provide “an integrated roadmap for the efficient development of the National Electricity Market over the next 20 years and beyond”. 

Project EnergyConnect will bring a series of benefits for customers across the states of SA, NSW and VIC, including: 

• Lower power prices 
• Improved energy security 
• Increased economic activity 
• Supporting the transition to a lower carbon emission energy system 
• Supporting a greater mix of renewable energy in the National Electricity Market 

Construction activities are expected to begin in 2021, subject to the granting of all necessary environmental and development approvals, with Project EnergyConnect progressively completed from 2022 to 2023. 

Source: Clough; TransGrid; ElectraNet; Project EnergyConnect; Renew Economy; PV Magazine Australia