SA’s largest electricity transformers being installed

8th May 2023

The new Bundey substation, currently under construction in South Australia’s Riverland, will be home to the state’s largest electricity transformers.

ElectraNet recently took delivery of three new transformers which are being installed at the Bundey substation as part of Project EnergyConnect, the new electricity interconnector between South Australia and New South Wales.

ElectraNet Chief Operating Officer, Rainer Korte, said once installed and commissioned, the new transformers will be the largest electricity transformers in operation on the South Australian network.

“The transformers will play a critical role in enabling the flow of power across the new energy highway between South Australia and New South Wales,” Rainer said.

“They are big pieces of equipment, with each one weighing more than 250 tonnes when operational. That’s the average weight of about 125 electric vehicles.

“The arrival and installation of the transformers is another important milestone for the project, with Bundey substation now approximately 75 per cent complete.

“More than 50 per cent of construction on the South Australian component of Project EnergyConnect is now complete and we remain on track for construction to be completed by the end of 2023. Release of initial power transfer is planned for mid-2024.

“The new interconnector will unlock renewable energy development, strengthen the grid and deliver savings for customers.”

Project EnergyConnect will run for 900km between Robertstown, in South Australia’s mid-north, and Wagga Wagga, in New South Wales, via Buronga with an additional line between Buronga and Red Cliffs, in Victoria.

The new interconnector will have a capacity of 800 megawatts, which is the equivalent of delivering energy to 240,000 extra households.