Eyre Peninsula Link: ECI and D&C contracting for ElectraNet’s 270km transmission line

Piper Alderman was engaged by ElectraNet, South Australia’s electricity transmission network owner, to advise on the procurement and contracting strategy for Eyre Peninsula Link, one of the largest construction projects ElectraNet has undertaken. We drafted and negotiated the early contractor involvement (ECI) agreement and the design and construct (D&C) contract for the project, and provided supporting advice on related property and approvals matters.

The ECI phase allowed preliminary design and critical procurement activities to progress before ElectraNet committed to the main works. On completion of the ECI, ElectraNet awarded the D&C contract to Downer in 2021 for the detailed design and construction of the new transmission line and substation upgrades.

Eyre Peninsula Link replaced the region’s existing transmission line, which had been in service for more than 50 years and was near the end of its operational life. The project delivered a new 270km double circuit line from Cultana to Port Lincoln via Yadnarie, together with upgrades to five substations. The Cultana to Yadnarie section was designed and built for 275kV but initially energised at 132kV, so it can be upgraded at relatively low cost as new renewable energy and industrial load connects on the peninsula.

After more than five years of planning and two years of construction, ElectraNet energised the new line in February 2023, despite challenging weather and the ongoing impacts of COVID-19. The project was also recognised for its engagement with Traditional Owners: ElectraNet and the Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation jointly received the SA Premier’s Award in Energy and Mining (Community Category) for their partnership on the project. The line’s design has positioned the network for growth. ElectraNet’s Eyre Peninsula Upgrade RIT-T, completed in December 2025, identified upgrading the Cultana to Yadnarie section to 275kV as part of the preferred option to meet growing demand on the peninsula.

Eyre Peninsula Link is one of a series of major transmission projects on which Piper Alderman has advised ElectraNet, alongside Project EnergyConnect and the Prominent Hill transmission line for OZ Minerals.

Piper Alderman Partner, Martin Lovell, said:

“An early contractor involvement model works best when the path from ECI to the D&C contract is clear from day one. On Eyre Peninsula Link, structuring the ECI so that design development and critical procurement fed directly into the D&C negotiations gave ElectraNet greater confidence in scope, price and risk allocation before committing to the main works. It’s been a privilege to support ElectraNet on a project delivering a more secure and reliable power supply to the region.”