Transgrid locks in supplier of high-voltage transmission kit for HumeLink project

Australian transmission company Transgrid has selected Swiss technology company Hitachi Energy to supply high-voltage technology for its New South Wales HumeLink project, the new 500kV transmission line which will connect Wagga Wagga, Bannaby, and Maragle.

Hitachi Energy will supply high-voltage substation equipment for both HumeLink West and East, joint ventures which will each deliver a section of the transmission route.

High-voltage circuit breakers for the 500kV transmission line with be delivered and installed by Hitachi Energy, ensuring potentially harmful short-circuit faults on the transmission line are cleared in tens of milliseconds, preventing severe damage and enhancing the availability of the power system.

HumeLink, a 365-km transmission line connecting Wagga Wagga, Bannaby, and Maragle in New South Wales, is one of the state’s largest infrastructure projects and is intended to ensure a more reliable and sustainable grid by increasing the amount of renewable energy that can be delivered across the national electricity market.

“As the energy transition in Australia is gathering pace, HumeLink is one of the major transmission projects that is needed to build a reliable, resilient, and future-ready grid, which will support a sustainable energy future,” said Bernard Norton, country managing director of Hitachi Energy in Australia.

“We are pleased to supply our leading high-voltage technology and partner with UGL-CPB Contractors and Acciona-Genus for Transgrid’s vital project which will enable the delivery of additional clean energy to Australian consumers.”

Transgrid had already awarded Hitachi Energy the contract to supply 15 500kV shunt reactors for use on HumeLink and the Victoria to NSW Interconnector West (VNI West) project.