Transgrid costing report released

This includes a direct capital expenditure of $890.72 million and labour and indirect capital expenditure of $205.61 million.

Landowners, community members and other stakeholders are encouraged to provide further feedback on the report, which project director Colin Mayer said also outlines preliminary consumer savings and delivery of the nation-critical transmission line.

“As we continue to plan this priority, clean energy infrastructure, we invite everyone, including landowners, communities, and business owners to review the document and provide feedback.

“Transgrid recognises the urgency of the energy transition and we stand ready to begin delivery of VNI West, which is critical to secure cheaper, cleaner and more reliable renewable energy for more than eight million people across New South Wales as ageing coal-fired power plants retire.”

The CPA stage 1 estimates cost savings to consumers of more than $845 million comprising:

• $60 million through securing Long Lead Equipment such as transformers, reactors, conductor and steel through Transgrid’s Powering Tomorrow Together program, which bundles procurement for major projects to deliver them faster and cheaper for consumers

• $787 million in investment synergies for undertaking design and construction works associated with the integration of VNI West, HumeLink and EnergyConnect (Gugga Substation) as part of stage 1 early works.

VNI West, which is being jointly developed with Transmission Company Victoria, will connect major projects EnergyConnect in NSW and Western Renewables Link in Victoria.

It is recognised by the Australian Energy Market Operator as a priority project in its draft 2024 Integrated System Plan to increase the amount of energy shared between the two states and deliver the best options for electricity customers in the long term.

The preferred route options for VNI West were outlined in a draft report released on January 29, and which are currently being presented for community feedback across the network’s footprint.

Meetings were held in Moulamein, Deniliquin and Jerilderie from Wednesday to Friday last week.

Further drop-in sessions will be hosted across the footprint this week and into March.

“We will continue to undertake significant community, stakeholder and customer engagement to gain feedback about project planning and help ensure we select a route that balances cost to consumers, environmental protection and amenity for local communities and landowners.

“We are doing all we can to reduce the cost to consumers including embedding innovation in the design and technical solutions to deliver the most cost-efficient outcome and engaging reputable delivery partners via a competitive process.”

The CPA stage 1 report can be accessed on the Australian Energy Regulator’s website at www.aer.gov.au/news/articles/communications/consultation-open-vni-west-stage-1-contingent-project-application.

Submissions are invited and can be made until March 1.

Community sessions on the VNI West route, by town and venue, are as follows:

Jerilderie - Thursday, February 15 from 10am to 4pm at the Jerilderie Sports Club; Saturday, March 2 at the Jerilderie Fun Fair.

Deniliquin - Friday, March 1 to Sunday, March 3 at the Deniliquin Show.

Barham - Tuesday, February 27 from 3pm to 6pm at the Barham Services Club.

Conargo - today from 8.30am to noon at the Conargo Hall; Thursday, February, 29 from 8.30am to 11am at the Conargo Hall.

Moulamein - Wednesday, February 28 from 10am to 4pm at the Moulamein Bowling Club.

Wanganella - Thursday, February 15 from 8.30am to noon at the Wanganella Hall; Thursday, February 29 from 3pm to 5pm at the Wanganella Hall.

For more information about the project, go to www.transgrid.com.au/projects-innovation/vni-west.