Australia’s transition to a clean energy future has taken a major step forward with specialist crews constructing the first of more than 800 new transmission towers on the nation-critical HumeLink project.
The first towers have been erected at Gregadoo, near Wagga Wagga with more than 700 personnel now onsite across the 365km project alignment.
Transgrid CEO Brett Redman said HumeLink would unlock the full capacity of Snowy 2.0 and other new renewable energy generators, delivering cleaner and cheaper electricity to millions of consumers and provide an additional 2,200 megawatts of on-demand energy into the grid – enough to power up to three million homes for a week.
“Transgrid and our delivery partners are getting on with the job of delivering this once-in-a-generation investment in our energy system, critical to realising the Commonwealth and NSW governments’ shared clean energy vision,” Mr Redman said.
The erection of the first towers marks the beginning of the major logistical and construction phase of project, which will require more than 52,000 tonnes of structural steel and over 9,300km of high-voltage conductor, enough to span from Sydney to Perth nearly three times.
HumeLink will deliver more than $1 billion in net benefits to Australian households and businesses by providing access to more sustainable, affordable and reliable energy.
The project will also invest in local communities to deliver education and training opportunities, create jobs, support local businesses, boost local economies and improve community facilities and services.
“The project is also providing an economic boost to regional communities, creating up to 1,600 construction jobs and delivering $6.3 billion in direct and indirect investment in local economies along the project alignment” Mr Redman said.
Transgrid will continue to work closely with landowners, communities, councils and other key stakeholders to address any impacts and keep residents and businesses informed of progress as construction proceeds.
HumeLink is being constructed by Transgrid’s delivery partners UGL and CPB Contractors (HumeLink West) and ACCIONA and GenusPlus Group (HumeLink East).
Transgrid and our delivery partners are working to deliver social and economic benefits to local communities including millions of dollars in supply contracts for local and First Nations businesses, education and training opportunities, skills development, and community investment.
The project is also providing four camps to accommodate up to 1,200 personnel, reducing pressure on limited housing and accommodation, and reducing road and traffic impacts by locating workers closer to construction sites
HumeLink West Project Director Tim Burns said, “This milestone marks an exciting step forward for our dedicated HumeLink West project delivery team. Together with our subcontractor businesses and local supply chain, CPB Contractors and UGL are now focused on safely delivering the more than 360 remaining towers. As with any major project we deliver, we want to ensure that the people living where we work get access to the jobs, skills and opportunities that major infrastructure construction brings.
“As we progress, our team will keep engaging, connecting and listening to communities to make sure we’re doing what we can to support their needs, while also ensuring new economic opportunities such as local jobs and local spend with regional business continue to be created.”
For more information about HumeLink visit: www.transgrid.com.au/projectsinnovation/humelink/
HumeLink construction fast facts
365km of new 500kV transmission lines connecting Wagga Wagga, Maragle and Bannaby
832 new transmission towers using 52,610 tonnes of steel
Towers weigh between 66 and 148 tonnes each, with 9 different types depending on terrain, altitude, environmental constraints, weather conditions and constructability
Each tower is erected by a specialist team of about a dozen personnel using a 250-tonne crane
9,384km of conductor cabling, enough to span from Sydney to Perth nearly three times
New substations at Gugaa and Maragle
Upgraded substations at Bannaby and Wagga Wagga.
