NSW launches connection enquiries for HumeLink

Main construction for the project will commence in the coming weeks.

The HumeLink project has achieved “considered project” status under the National Electricity Rules, allowing official connection enquiries to be formally lodged.

“Proponents of new renewable energy generators and energy storage facilities can now start the process to connect directly to the nation-critical HumeLink project and help accelerate Australia’s clean energy transition,” Transgrid said in a statement.

The 500-kilovolt transmission line is expected to unlock an extra 3,000 megawatts of renewable energy into the grid.

“Once the project is connected to the network, it will unlock the Snowy Hydro Scheme expansion project, Snowy 2.0, which will provide an additional 2,200 megawatts of on-demand energy into the grid – enough energy storage to power three million homes for a week,” said Transgrid Acting Executive General Manager of Network Jason Krstanoski.

The project will also allow more solar and wind generators, and battery and pumped-hydro energy storage facilities to connect directly to the New South Wales transmission network.

Main construction works for HumeLink, which will connect Wagga Wagga, Bannaby and Maragle, are expected to begin in the coming weeks, including 365 kilometres of new transmission lines and new or upgraded infrastructure at four substation locations.