Project EnergyConnect deemed critical infrastructure in NSW

29th August 2019

The New South Wales (NSW) Government has granted Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) status to Project EnergyConnect (PEC).

“PEC is a very important part of Australia’s energy future,” says Mr Paul Italiano, TransGrid Chief Executive. “Granting CSSI status to this project is a really positive development and a clear indication of how important PEC is,” he says.

Project EnergyConnect is shaping up to be nationally significant infrastructure, following the South Australian Government’s decision to grant Major Development status for the South Australian component of the Project in June.

Key Milestones

•          The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to be displayed in the second half of 2020

•          Major construction to start by mid-2021

•          Robertstown in SA to Buronga in NSW delivered by the end of 2022

•          Remaining section from Buronga to Wagga Wagga to be delivered by mid-2023.

The announcement by NSW Planning Minister, Rob Stokes, now enables TransGrid to begin studies to develop an Environmental Impact Statement. TransGrid has started engaging communities along the corridor to secure their participation in the Project. 

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References:

Williams, P 2019, ‘$1.5bn spark between states deemed critical’, The Australian, 29 August, < https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/15bn-spark-between-states-deemed-of-critical-importance/news-story/7d3811bdac62c9141ee7da46820a6a53?btr=1e790b5133293b3162dbca90f3e933c8/>

Van Holst Pellekaan, D (Minister for Energy and Mining, SA) 2019, Interconnector gets Major Project Status, media release, Department of Premier and Cabinet, South Australia, 27 June.