Overview
EnergyConnect is a new energy infrastructure project that will enable greater sharing of electricity between NSW, Victoria and South Australia for the first time. It will also create 1500 jobs, primarily across regional NSW.
The project is a key element of the Australian Energy Market Operator's Integrated System Plan. As a result, the NSW Government has declared it Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI).
EnergyConnect includes a new 900km electricity transmission line, known as an interconnector, that will connect the three state power grids, driving competition in the wholesale electricity market.
The interconnector is being built between Wagga Wagga in New South Wales and Robertstown in South Australia, with a connection to Red Cliffs in Victoria.
Transgrid is partnering with ElectraNet to deliver EnergyConnect, with Transgrid building the NSW section.
Project benefits
- New jobs and opportunities: EnergyConnect will create 1500 new jobs and opportunities for a wide range of businesses.
- Economic growth: The project will generate $4 billion in economic benefit - much of it in regional NSW.
- A cleaner future: EnergyConnect will support the Federal Government's clean energy future vision by connecting more solar and wind generation to help reduce carbon emissions.
Why is the project needed?
The Australian energy landscape is transitioning to a greater mix of low-emission renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar.
Several factors are driving this transition, including:
- access to new generation sources as coal-fired plants close
- government commitments to reduce carbon emissions
- the potential for increased competition in renewable generation
- demand for a more reliable energy supply.
At the same time, consumers are demanding lower power bills and more secure and reliable service.
EnergyConnect will deliver the infrastructure required to support this evolution by connecting the energy grids of NSW, SA and Victoria. These connections will expand the wholesale electricity market across the three states, meaning increased reliability and security of electricity supply.
Operating at total capacity, EnergyConnect will be capable of supplying 8.5 per cent of the total average maximum daily demand in NSW.