Piper Alderman advises on major construction contracts for Project EnergyConnect

National law firm, Piper Alderman, has assisted ElectraNet to reach a major milestone in the Project EnergyConnect, awarding the major construction contracts for the South Australian component of the project.

Project EnergyConnect, is one of the largest projects that ElectraNet has ever been involved in. It will allow electricity to flow directly between NSW and SA for the first time in Australian history. Project EnergyConnect will provide increased capacity for renewable generation and significantly improve electricity reliability in both states. The project involves the construction of a new 900km high voltage transmission line between Robertstown in South Australia and Wagga Wagga in New South Wales, multiple substations along the transmission line, a further connection point into north west Victoria and a high capacity interconnector located at the SA-NSW border.

ElectraNet Chief Executive, Steve Masters, said:

“The awarding of these contracts is a significant milestone for this landmark electricity infrastructure project that will improve South Australia’s electricity security and reliability.”

Piper Alderman has been advising ElectraNet on Project EnergyConnect. This latest milestone involves the awarding of high value construction contracts to Downer Utilities Australia Pty Ltd and Consolidated Power Projects Australia Pty Ltd. Downer will deliver approximately 200 kilometres of new 275kV and 330 kV transmission line between the interconnector at the SA/NSW border and the new Bundey Substation near Robertstown, and approximately 10 km of new transmission line between the Robertstown and Bundey substations. Consolidated Power Projects Australia will be responsible for substation works including the construction of the new Bundey Substation and augmentation works at the existing Robertstown and Tungkillo substations.

The Piper Alderman legal team was led by Partner Martin Lovell, with assistance from senior associate Juniper Watson.

Piper Alderman Partner, Martin Lovell, said:

“We are delighted to have reached this major milestone with ElectraNet, having been closely involved in Project EnergyConnect since its inception. The construction works to be carried out by Downer and Consolidated Power Projects are critical to the success of the project and we are excited to have helped bring this deal to fruition.”

Speaking about the impact of Project EnergyConnect, Martin Lovell said:

“We expect this new transmission infrastructure to be a catalyst for investment in new renewable energy generation projects throughout the region.”