Australia’s largest transmission project, Transgrid’s EnergyConnect, has marked a major milestone with the completion of an upgrade to the 330kV substation at Wagga Wagga.
An extensive program of civil, mechanical and electrical works, which began in October 2023, has now been finalised.
Related article: Nation-critical EnergyConnect West becomes operational
Transgrid’s Wagga Wagga 300kV substation is central to the nation-building EnergyConnect project, which provides a critical connection between NSW, South Australia, and Victoria, allowing more affordable renewable energy to be shared across borders.
Originally commissioned in 1973, the Wagga Wagga 330kV substation connected the region with the Tumut 3 hydro power station. It will continue to play a critical role in the transmission network and in the clean energy transition, acting as a backbone of the system by linking renewable energy zones in the south-west of the state to the wider transmission network.
The expansion to the substation has included two busbar extensions and four new transmission line double breaker bays to accommodate both new and existing infrastructure. These new additions will increase the efficiency and reliability of the system.
The substation is now ready to connect to the new transmission line that is under construction between Wagga and the new Dinawan substation near Coleambally.
Transgrid partnered with Elecnor to build the 700km transmission line, which will help improve reliability and security of electricity supply.
Related article: Transgrid’s EnergyConnect begins energisation process
Elecnor Australia project eirector for EnergyConnect Felipe Delgado said, “The completion of the major extension and upgrade works at the Wagga Wagga substation is a testament to the dedication and technical excellence of our teams, suppliers, and subcontractors.
“This is a complex construction achievement that reflects our commitment to safely delivering high-quality energy infrastructure that will support communities for generations to come.”
