Helicopter strings transmission lines at Uungula Wind Farm

Two energy workers stand beside work vehicle while watching a helicopter string transmission lines
Image: Squadron Energy

Heli-stringing is underway at Squadron Energy’s Uungula Wind Farm, east of Wellington in New South Wales.

More than 11km of 330kV single circuit transmission line is being attached to 28 towers over the coming months to connect Uungula Wind Farm into the electricity grid.

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Squadron Energy general manager contracts and controls Mark Hunt said the start of transmission line stringing was an exciting step towards the project generating 414MW of power once completed.

“I want to thank the local community, our contractors and our partners for their support to reach this stage of the project, which is creating 262 jobs and investing $41 million in the regional economy,” Hunt said.

“We are continuing to work hard to make sure that the project is creating a positive legacy in the region by investing in long term projects that matter to the community—including partnering with Dubbo Regional Council to deliver a new advanced wastewater treatment facility in Dubbo.”

Helicopter strings transmission line with bright blue sky overhead
Helicopter stringing was undertaken by Leading Edge Helicopters (Image: Squadron Energy)

Squadron Energy has contracted Lumea, part of the Transgrid Group, to build, operate and maintain the Uungula Wind Farm substation, switching station, and transmission lines.

Lumea executive general manager Craig Stallan said the helicopter stringing was undertaken by the highly skilled team at Leading Edge Helicopters, working closely with Transgrid’s aviation and safety experts.

“This approach will support the safe, efficient and timely stringing of transmission lines at Uungula Wind Farm, which Lumea is pleased to deliver in partnership with Squadron Energy,” Stallan said.

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“We look forward to continuing our work together on this project, an important contributor to the renewable energy transition in NSW.”

Once operational, Uungula Wind Farm will generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of more than 220,000 homes and prevent more than 560,000 tonnes of carbon emissions being released into the atmosphere annually.

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