Pinsent Masons advises Clough Elecnor JV as successful contractor for Australia’s A$1.5 billion Project EnergyConnect

Project EnergyConnect is a proposed energy interconnector between the power grids of New South Wales and South Australia, with an added connection to Victoria. Pinsent Masons is advising the 50/50 Clough Elecnor JV, SecureEnergy, as successful contractor for the engineering, procurement and construction of TransGrid’s portion of the Project, which includes 4 substations and approximately 700km of 330kV transmission line.

According to the Project’s proponents, ElectraNet and TransGrid, the NSW-SA interconnector will allow the free flow of electricity between NSW and SA for the first time in Australia’s history, increasing renewable generation capacity and reliability in both States. The project is set reduce electricity bills for NSW customers by A$180 million a year, create 1,500 jobs during construction and inject A$4billion into the domestic economy.

Commenting on the deal, infrastructure and energy partner, James Morgan-Payler, said that the infrastructure will provide much needed stability for the grid and is a significant step forward in supporting Australia’s renewable power generation objectives. “It’s been a great opportunity to work with the Clough Elecnor JV on its successful bid to deliver such critical energy infrastructure.”

“The project tender required a high level of sector specialist support in a short timeframe, and our team worked swiftly with the JV to provide just that.”

Project EnergyConnect has been declared Critical State Significant Infrastructure by the New South Wales Government and plays a key part in the country’s plans to maintain and improve the power grid within the National Electricity Market over the next 20 years.