Downer awarded South Australia Project Energy Connect Transmission Line contract

12/10/2021

Downer is pleased to announce we have been awarded a contract valued at approximately $200 million with ElectraNet for the design, procurement, and construction of a new 330kV and 275kV high voltage transmission line connecting the South Australian and New South Wales power grids.  

Downer will commence work immediately, with major construction commencing in early 2022. Commissioning of the transmission line is to be underway in 2023

Downer is a leader in power infrastructure in Australia, with specific expertise in transmission lines and high voltage substation design and construction.  This new contract is an exciting and important project for South Australia and the National Electricity Market as a whole (https://www.projectenergyconnect.com.au/).  

Downer was awarded the contract following an eight-month Early Contractor Involvement with ElectraNet, during which the teams worked collaboratively in the planning and specification of critical construction requirements for the 205km line route. This included tailored solutions of the line route and construction methodology of the project due to cultural heritage and areas of environmental significance.  

Downer’s demonstrated industry-leading capabilities and a steadfast commitment to providing innovative solutions and delivering quality outcomes to our customers, while driving a zero-harm safety culture, was integral in ElectraNet’s award. 

This award follows the successful contracting by ElectraNet earlier this year, of the new construction of the 270km high voltage transmission lines and upgrades to substations through the Eyre Peninsula.  It further strengthens Downer’s long history of providing services to ElectraNet and its presence in the South Australian power sector, bringing local employment opportunities.

Key benefits

• Construction of a new 192km dual circuit twin conductor 330kV transmission line between the NSW and SA border linking into a new greenfield substation at Bundey (by others), and a new 13km dual circuit twin conductor 275kV transmission line between the Bundey Substation and the existing brownfield substation at Robertstown

• Enabling a greater mix of renewable energy generators to connect into the network

• Enabling the development of new renewable projects at connection points and facilitating the growth of associated industries and

• Increasing reliability and confidence in electricity supply