Revolutionary Wind and Solar Grid Expansion

South Australia’s Energy Transformation with New Transmission Line

The initial phase of a groundbreaking new transmission line that will drive South Australia towards achieving 100% net renewables has been officially activated. This significant milestone marks the commencement of Project EnergyConnect, the largest energy transmission initiative in the country.

Stretching 135 kilometres from Robertstown in South Australia to Buronga in NSW, with an additional 24 km link to Red Cliffs in Victoria, the first stage of the project was switched on at 10 am on Friday. This transmission line will enable an extra 150 megawatts (MW) of electricity to be shared between South Australia and its neighbouring states.

Enhanced Energy Exchange

Upon completion of the second phase, extending to Wagga Wagga, the transfer capacity will increase to 800 MW. This development will allow South Australia to import up to 750 MW and export up to 700 MW, with the capacity set to exceed 1.3 GW in both directions by late 2027.

South Australia, already a global leader with 72% wind and solar energy in the past year, has faced limitations due to inadequate storage and transmission capabilities, resulting in significant curtailment of renewable sources. The new transmission link will facilitate the export of surplus wind and solar energy to Victoria and NSW, reducing the reliance on local gas generation.

Key Milestone for South Australia

The completion of Project EnergyConnect is a crucial step towards South Australia’s goal of achieving 100% net renewables by the end of 2027. This initiative is essential for Australia’s energy transition, promoting access to more cost-effective and sustainable renewable energy sources while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Transgrid CEO Brett Redman emphasised the significance of EnergyConnect in enabling the transfer of renewable energy between NSW, South Australia, and Victoria, fostering greater energy sharing among consumers in the three states.

ElectraNet CEO Simon Emms highlighted the transformative nature of EnergyConnect for South Australia, reinforcing the state’s position as a leader in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. The project will bolster the state’s electricity network, enhancing reliability, affordability, and sustainability for consumers.

Unlocking Renewable Energy Capacity

The completion of the second phase of Project EnergyConnect will unlock capacity from the South West renewable energy zone in NSW. Despite challenges in accessing the full potential of wind, solar, and battery projects in the region, this initiative will contribute to strengthening the state’s energy network.

While some concerns have been raised regarding the project’s capacity and potential constraints, industry experts are exploring alternative solutions to maximise energy transmission efficiency. Leveraging existing local networks and exploring innovative approaches, such as utilising big batteries for virtual transmission, are being considered to enhance capacity.

Although the project is being constructed with a 330kV line, there are suggestions within the industry that a 500kV line would have provided significantly greater capacity. The focus now shifts towards optimising existing infrastructure and exploring cost-effective solutions amidst rising concerns over project costs and delays.