By Vai Rane and Mark Borkin
Constructing a high-capacity transmission line across diverse geographical terrains presents significant engineering and logistical challenges. Additionally, integrating this infrastructure within existing networks while minimising environmental impact and ensuring community engagement adds layers of complexity.
Project EnergyConnect (PEC) is Australia’s largest energy transmission project. It involves building a new 900km transmission line to connect the energy grids in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Beca – one of the Asia Pacific region’s largest independent advisory, design and engineering consultancies – joined forces with its clients Transgrid and ElectraNet in the early project development phases and continued to partner with Transgrid through the project development, procurement and delivery phases. Due to its size and contribution to the energy transition, this is a milestone project for Beca, its clients and the states involved.
During the project development phase, Beca integrated its technical engineering expertise into Transgrid’s team. It worked collaboratively alongside Transgrid to provide technical input into concept design development actives, transmission line route alignment and to co-ordinate with the planning team for route refinement based on feedback from community and stakeholders.
Beca further utilised its pool of key specialists as required from the wider Beca technical team to support Transgrid in managing the entire EPC tender process. During the delivery phase, the consultancy provided an integrated multi-disciplinary technical expert team for transmission lines, substations (high voltage, automation and control, protection), power systems, civil and structural disciplines. This team undertook reviews of engineering designs against Transgrid’s project requirements.
The impact of the project is expected to enhance energy security significantly. PEC’s route will unlock renewable generation from three state’s renewable energy zones to connect to the network. This is a major step towards enabling a greater mix of renewables in Australia’s energy network, and more electricity sharing between NSW, VIC and SA.
Improving energy reliability and enabling the shift to renewable sources, the project has been a driving force for regional community development. PEC has generated employment, bolstered local businesses, and paved the way for greener growth as new renewable generation comes online.
This long-standing collaborative partnership between Transgrid and Beca on PEC will deliver real benefits to the communities of NSW, SA and VIC. PEC is just the beginning of what’s possible when you apply incredible problem-solving to energy transition opportunities.
Find out more about Beca’s renewables and transmission capability in Australia and New Zealand.
