Downer partners with ElectraNet to deliver EPLink completion

19/05/2023

The double circuit transmission line Downer constructed as part of the Eyre Peninsula Link (EP Link) Project is now complete and fully energised.

Downer was awarded the $245 million contract by ElectraNet Pty Ltd in 2021 to provide new electrical transmission infrastructure supplying the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. The project also included an upgrade of the electrical substations.

Downer delivered the following as part of the EP Link transmission project:

• a new 270 kilometre double-circuit 132kV transmission line from Cultana to Port Lincoln via Yadnarie, with the ability to upgrade the Cultana to Yadnarie section to 275 kV at a later date; and
• the upgrade of five substations at Yadnarie, Cultana, Middleback, Wudinna and Port Lincoln. 

Downer’s General Manager Power Systems, Jeff Bowser, said the new electrical infrastructure connecting South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula region was the first major transmission line project completed by Downer in South Australia.

“As a leader in Australia’s transmission sector, Downer is proud to have delivered this major infrastructure project on behalf of ElectraNet to deliver power and connect communities and businesses across regional South Australia.

“The increased network capacity will also support the connection of potential renewable energy generators, transforming the electricity grid to enable a low emissions power supply to the Lower Eyre Peninsula region for the benefit of generations to come,” Jeff said.

Working as one team, Downer delivered the Project in close collaboration with ElectraNet and the local communities along the path of the construction zone. More than $24 million associated with the Project was spent directly with Eyre Peninsula businesses, with approximately $74 million in total spent with South Australian businesses. This does not include the indirect spend associated with the Project’s significant workforce, including accommodation, meals, fuel and other subcontractor spend. 

Downer’s EP Link Project Director, Stephen Mayoh, reflected that a key feature of the EP Link Project was the extensive industry participation that was required, with many local suppliers engaged during the construction phase. 

“Local subcontractors and suppliers represented approximately 20% of the workforce and delivered works ranging from temporary and permanent fencing, through to minor civil works along the route of the transmission line.

“This was coordinated by Downer and ElectraNet via a number of online information forums to communicate the Project and the types and sizes of the work packages we were looking at contracting with the local community. This engagement provided real-time opportunity and registrations of interest that allowed direct engagement between the project team and the potential businesses to shape the size and key skillsets required.

“We also engaged 89 Cultural Heritage monitors over the course of the project, with 12 monitors onboard from the start,” Stephen said.

With a peak construction workforce of around 300 people in early 2022 when all activities were running in parallel and 200 people working on the Project at any time, Stephen said he was “grateful to the local communities for supporting the worker construction camps that were also required as part of the Project”. 

“On behalf of Downer, thank you to the local residents, Councils, businesses and landowners along the path of the transmission line for your support and for hosting our workforce in your local townships,” he said. 

“I’d also like to acknowledge the Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation (BDAC) for their ongoing assistance and engagement throughout the Project and the sharing of culture and knowledge as we walked on their land and Country.”

Head of Downer Utilities, James Kafanelis, said the EP Link crews should be very proud of achieving completion.

“At Downer, relationships are at the heart of everything we do and our close collaboration with our client, ElectraNet, coupled with the hard work and commitment of our crews has ensured the successful delivery of this major nation building transmission project,” James said.

Downer is also working with ElectraNet to deliver the South Australian component of Project EnergyConnect, a new major transmission line between the New South Wales border north of Renmark and past Roberstown in South Australia which will provide the required infrastructure for all future energy projects to connect to the grid and supply energy into the network. The project is on track for completion in 2023.