The Australian power transmission system operator (TSO) Transgrid has started construction works on the HumeLink transmission line to integrate more renewable generation to the country’s National Electricity Market (NEM). The 365 km transmission project consists of new 500 kV transmission lines, new or upgraded infrastructure at four substations and about 9,400 km of conductor cable to connect Wagga Wagga, Maragle and Bannaby within the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW). The project is being designed and constructed in two sections by Acciona and GenusPlus Group JV (HumeLink East) and UGL and CPB Contractors JV (HumeLink West).
The project will also unlock the Snowy Hydro Scheme expansion project (Snowy 2.0), which will add 2.2 GW of capacity once connected to the grid by 2029.
Transgrid’s system strength plan relies on stabilising services to accelerate Australia’s transition towards clean energies to achieve its target to reach a 62 to 70% reduction emissions (compared with 2005 levels).