New South Wales (NSW) grid operator Transgrid has received approval from the state government for its 500kV HumeLink transmission project, connecting Wagga Wagga, Bannaby, and Maragle.
The proposed Australian transmission line entails an investment of A$4.8bn ($3.1bn). It will establish a 365km renewable energy infrastructure across southern NSW, aiming to deliver cleaner and affordable energy to homes and businesses statewide.
Following the state approval, the HumeLink project will now advance to the Australian federal government for the final review anticipated next month.
The HumeLink facility is expected to generate 1,600 construction jobs and stimulate an estimated A$6.3bn ($4.07bn) in direct and indirect investment in the regional economy. The transmission project has the backing of Australian Energy Regulator (AER), which had approved funding of A$4.57bn ($2.95bn) in August 2024.
Once connected to the grid, the transmission project will unlock the Snowy Hydro Scheme expansion project and deliver an additional 2.2GW of on-demand energy.
Upon securing the Commonwealth government approval, the construction of the HumeLink transmission project is expected to commence in late 2024, with completion targeted for 2027.
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: “This Critical State Significant Infrastructure project will enable more renewable energy generation to enter the market supporting NSW’s emissions reduction targets.
“HumeLink is an important investment in NSW’s energy capability, increasing the amount of renewable energy that can be delivered to consumers and helping the state move towards a net zero future.
“Together we’re building an energy system which will help keep the lights on, put downward pressure on energy bills and reduce emissions while creating jobs.”
The NSW Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure (DPHI), alongside relevant agencies, conducted an extensive assessment of the proposal.
The state granted the planning approval after an extensive assessment process, which included an environmental impact statement (EIS), submissions report, and amendment report.
This review also featured a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report.
The HumeLink project is now set to be evaluated by the Commonwealth government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. A final decision by the federal department is anticipated to be announced next month.
Transgrid CEO Brett Redman said: “HumeLink represents a key component of the National Electricity Market (NEM) which supplies energy to millions of Australians.
“By reinforcing the southern grid, the project will connect at Wagga Wagga with EnergyConnect and form the energy superhighway needed to help bring cheaper, cleaner renewable energy online from south-west NSW.”
The HumeLink project is expected to advance Australia’s sustainable energy future, as it will increase the capacity to deliver renewable energy through the national grid. It will also support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Last year, Acciona, together with its partner Genu, was selected by Transgrid to build the eastern section of the HumeLink power transmission line.
