Transgrid has achieved a significant milestone in Australia’s largest transmission project, EnergyConnect, with the energization of the first section of the new Buronga substation in south-western New South Wales. This milestone marks the connection of the substation to South Australia, paving the way for a more secure and interconnected energy grid across three states.

The 16-hectare Buronga substation is the central hub of the 900km EnergyConnect project, designed to link New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Key to this achievement is the integration of the first 220kV section of the substation with the existing Buronga infrastructure, which will enable power flow across EnergyConnect’s new backbone.

A critical component of this project is the newly constructed double-circuit 330kV transmission line, which extends 135km from Buronga to the South Australian border. This line is now ready for connection and testing, signaling the imminent operational phase of this transformative project.

Brett Redman, CEO of Transgrid, emphasized the importance of the project: “This is another significant step forward for energy consumers and the broader electricity grid. EnergyConnect will allow us to move renewable energy between NSW, South Australia, and Victoria, providing more reliable, clean, and affordable energy.”

The Buronga substation is set to become one of the largest and most sophisticated in the southern hemisphere, featuring five phase-shifting transformers, two synchronous condensers, and four shunt reactors. These transformers play a crucial role in maintaining grid stability and enabling the transfer of renewable energy between states, a key factor in reducing energy costs and enhancing system security.

Source: esdnews.com.au