News Register
Australian major energy projects
A simple weekly-updated list of major projects that are planned, in approvals, procurement, construction or commissioning.
| Project | State | Owner / proponent | Voltage / overhead scope | Stage | Latest development | Delivery parties | Target date | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central‑West Orana REZ network infrastructure | NSW |
EnergyCo NSW (network operator: ACEREZ)
EnergyCo NSW / ACEREZ |
Unconfirmed in current public release
New REZ overhead lines and substations to connect CWO generation to the NSW grid; specific line voltages/configuration to be confirmed in final public design pack. Unconfirmed publicly |
procurement |
Network operator awarded and financial close previously announced; no week change.
No week update located; included here for pipeline completeness. Verified: 20 Sep 2026 |
ACEREZ (network operator) | Construction commencement ‘within months’ of award (prior release) | Energy NSW – CWO REZ deal sealed/financial close announcement |
| Central‑West Orana REZ Transmission | NSW |
EnergyCo NSW (licensing to network operator)
EnergyCo NSW |
500 kV (backbone) with 330 kV connections (per EPBC referral)
New twin double‑circuit 500 kV backbone; single/double‑circuit 330 kV lines to energy hubs; new switching stations and hubs. Not stated in a single total – multiple sections |
construction |
Offset delivery progress report (Apr–Jun 2026) published 11 Sep 2026; construction program continues toward energisation in 2028.
New quarterly offset report published within the week. Verified: 13 Sep 2026 |
ACEREZ consortium appointed as network operator (design/finance/operate/maintain) – previously announced | Initial energisation 2028 (program statements) |
EnergyCo – project page EPBC referral (scope/voltages) Offset progress report Apr–Jun 2026 |
| HumeLink | NSW |
Transgrid
Transgrid |
500 kV
New 500 kV overhead double‑circuit lines linking Wagga Wagga, Bannaby and Maragle; associated new/upgraded substations. ~365 km (East ~225 km; West ~140 km) |
construction |
Main construction is in progress on East and West packages; tower erection and substation builds underway.
Construction status reconfirmed; no new scope changes published this week. Verified: 13 Sep 2026 |
Acciona–GenusPlus JV (HumeLink East), UGL–CPB JV (HumeLink West) | Construction finish proposed 2027 (Transgrid timeline) |
HumeLink overview HumeLink East HumeLink West |
| HumeLink | NSW |
Transgrid
Transgrid |
500 kV
New double‑circuit 500 kV overhead lines linking Wagga Wagga, Bannaby and Maragle, with associated new/upgraded substations. ≈365 km |
construction |
August 2026 construction notices issued for multiple localities; ongoing tower assembly/stringing on HumeLink West; no scope changes confirmed this week.
Status unchanged this week; works continuing across both packages. Verified: 30 Aug 2026 |
UGL, CPB Contractors, ACCIONA, GenusPlus Group | Q4 2027 (per Transgrid 2025 disclosure, subject to revision) |
HumeLink overview HumeLink West – Aug 2026 works HumeLink project update (delivery partners) |
| HumeLink (East and West) | NSW |
Transgrid
Transgrid |
500 kV AC (dual circuit)
Approximately 365 km of new 500 kV double‑circuit overhead lines connecting Wagga Wagga, Maragle and Bannaby, plus new/expanded 500 kV substations. ~365 km |
construction |
3 Sep newsletter reports >100 towers erected on HumeLink West; conductor stringing underway; transformer/reactor deliveries completed at Maragle; 2 Sep HumeLink West Biodiversity Management Plan Rev 7 posted.
Construction progress and updated management plans published during the week. Verified: 06 Sep 2026 |
Acciona/Genus JV (HumeLink East), UGL/CPB Contractors JV (HumeLink West) | 2027-12 (AEMO ISP in‑service) |
HumeLink West — Sep 2026 newsletter HumeLink West — documents (BMP Rev 7) HumeLink length/scope factsheet AEMO 2026 ISP (timing) |
| HumeLink (Wagga Wagga–Maragle–Bannaby) | NSW |
Transgrid
Transgrid |
500 kV AC
New overhead transmission lines and new/upgraded 500 kV substations; East and West delivery sections. ~365 km (Transgrid factsheets) |
construction |
Stringing underway on sections in 2026; ongoing works across East/West packages.
No material change posted in the week; construction progressing. Verified: 20 Sep 2026 |
Acciona, Genus, UGL, CPB Contractors | Late 2027 (per construction factsheets) |
Transgrid HumeLink factsheet (April 2026) HumeLink West project page (stringing update) |
| Hunter Transmission Project | NSW |
EnergyCo NSW (Transgrid as preferred network operator)
EnergyCo NSW |
500 kV
New ~110 km overhead 500 kV line Bayswater–Olney with new switching stations; corridor predominantly through mining/energy/government land. ~110 km (project material) |
procurement |
September 2026 work notifications for surveys and investigations; detailed design and tender process underway following July approval.
Work notifications posted for September; no contract award yet. Verified: 13 Sep 2026 |
- | Construction expected late 2026–late 2029 (subject to remaining requirements) |
HTP – main page HTP – project resources |
| Hunter Transmission Project (Bayswater–Olney) | NSW |
Transgrid
Transgrid |
500 kV AC
New overhead 500 kV line spanning around 110 km; associated substations. ~110 km (Transgrid summary) |
approvals |
NSW Government planning approval issued in Aug 2026; construction targeted late 2026–late 2029 (subject to conditions).
No new week change post‑approval. Verified: 20 Sep 2026 |
- | Late 2029 (NSW release) |
NSW media release – HTP approved Transgrid projects listing (HTP approx. length) |
| Hunter Transmission Project (HTP) | NSW |
EnergyCo NSW (planning); Transgrid (preferred network operator)
EnergyCo NSW |
500 kV
~110 km new 500 kV overhead line between Bayswater and Olney; creation of the NSW 500 kV ring. ~110 km |
procurement |
Planning approval issued July 2026; August 2026 field work notifications commenced; shortlists in place for line and substations packages.
Status shifted to procurement following July approval; August field notices noted. Verified: 30 Aug 2026 |
Preferred network operator: Transgrid (commitment deed), Shortlisted D&C tenderers as per EnergyCo release | Construction start late 2026; completion targeted 2029 (per EnergyCo FAQ) |
HTP main page (approval and 500 kV scope) HTP resources (Aug/Sep 2026 notices) HTP industry – shortlists and procurement |
| Mount Piper to Wallerawang Transmission Line Upgrade | NSW |
Transgrid
Transgrid |
Unconfirmed on project page
Upgrade works between Mount Piper and Wallerawang with associated substation interfaces. Not stated |
construction |
Pre‑construction in July 2026; construction works proposed for September 2026 per project timeline.
No new notices beyond the posted month‑level schedule. Verified: 13 Sep 2026 |
- | Commissioning proposed November 2026 | Project page |
| New England REZ – Network Infrastructure Project | NSW |
EnergyCo NSW
EnergyCo NSW |
500 kV backbone and 330 kV connections (proposed)
Proposed dual 500 kV circuits between Bayswater and New England REZ, plus 500/330 kV internal REZ links to hubs. ~305 km (indicative) |
approvals |
28 Aug 2026 program page update (no change to transmission scope). EIS exhibition planned for H2 2026.
No change to scope; recorded page update and exhibition timing. Verified: 30 Aug 2026 |
- | Not publicly stated |
New England REZ network infrastructure CEB Program page (updated 28 Aug 2026) |
| Sydney Ring – South (RIT‑T PADR) | NSW |
Transgrid
Transgrid |
Unconfirmed (RIT‑T stage)
Unconfirmed (RIT‑T investigations may include overhead/underground options). Unconfirmed |
approvals |
PADR consultation window closed 28 Aug 2026; awaiting submissions summary and next RIT‑T step.
Recorded closure of PADR submissions. Verified: 30 Aug 2026 |
- | Not publicly stated | Sydney Ring – South (RIT‑T PADR) |
| Project EnergyConnect Stage 2 (NSW–SA) | NSW/SA |
Transgrid (NSW) / ElectraNet (SA)
Transgrid and ElectraNet |
330 kV AC (double circuit)
New interconnector between Robertstown (SA) – Buronga – Wagga Wagga (NSW), with augmentation into Victoria. ~900 km total across SA and NSW |
commissioning preparations |
AER published preliminary position on Transgrid’s capex re‑opener (1 Sep 2026); AEMO indicates energisation and inter‑network testing targeted for November 2026.
Regulatory consultation step; no change to testing target date. Verified: 06 Sep 2026 |
Transgrid, ElectraNet | 2026-11 (start inter‑network testing) |
AER consultation paper — preliminary position AEMO — PEC Stage 2 inter‑network test program (draft) Transgrid — EnergyConnect overview |
| Project EnergyConnect (NSW section and market integration) | NSW/SA/VIC |
Transgrid (NSW) / ElectraNet (SA) / AusNet (Vic)
Transgrid and ElectraNet |
330 kV (overhead sections)
NSW overhead scope built; staged market capacity release subject to AEMO inter‑network testing. NSW backbone ~700 km per Transgrid reporting (Western section previously completed/energised). |
commissioning |
26 Aug 2026 Transgrid article: NSW construction completed earlier in 2026; AEMO Stage 2 inter‑network testing program in place to progressively release capacity.
Status clarified as commissioning/integration rather than fully in‑service at full transfer. Verified: 30 Aug 2026 |
Transgrid, ElectraNet, AusNet (Vic interface) | Staged testing and capacity release through 2026–2027 (per AEMO program context) |
Transgrid – EnergyConnect social value article (states NSW construction completed earlier in 2026) AEMO – PEC Stage 2 inter‑network test program |
| Calvale to Calliope River Transmission Line Reinforcement | QLD |
Powerlink Queensland
Powerlink Queensland |
unconfirmed publicly
New transmission line between Calvale and Calliope River substations, plus substation upgrades and a 500 MVA transformer. ≈20 km (portion awarded to CPP; full length unconfirmed) |
construction |
Construction contract awarded to CPP on 31 Aug 2026 for a 20 km section and substation works.
New contract award during the week. Verified: 30 Aug 2026 |
Consolidated Power Projects (CPP) | unconfirmed |
CPP contract award – Central Queensland Calvale–Calliope River |
| CopperString 2032 | QLD |
QIC‑managed entity (delivery/ownership); Powerlink (transition, Eastern Link early works)
Queensland Government / Powerlink / QIC |
500 kV (Townsville–Hughenden); 330 kV (Hughenden–Cloncurry/Mt Isa) per approvals
Approximately 1,000 km of new overhead lines connecting Townsville to Mount Isa with southern spur to Selwyn; staged delivery (Eastern Link early works). ~1,000 km |
procurement |
No new publications this week. Project transition to QIC noted by Queensland Treasury; Eastern Link early works continue under Powerlink.
No verified change this week. Verified: 06 Sep 2026 |
UGL/CPB JV noted for earlier works (Powerlink comms) | 2032 (commercial operations per Qld Treasury) |
Coordinator‑General project page (scope/length) Powerlink — CopperString project page Queensland Treasury — Transmission (QIC delivery note) |
| CopperString – Eastern Link (Reid River–Hughenden) | QLD |
QIC‑managed entity (transition), with Powerlink delivering Eastern Link early works
Queensland Government / Powerlink / QIC entity |
330 kV AC
~350 km new overhead 330 kV line; new substations and WAF sites. ~350 km (Powerlink) |
approvals |
Eastern Link early works progressing; ownership transition to a QIC‑managed entity underway. No week change.
No week change; included for pipeline completeness. Verified: 20 Sep 2026 |
Powerlink (early works) | By 2032 for Eastern Link (subject to approvals) | Powerlink – CopperString project page |
| Project EnergyConnect (SA–NSW–VIC) | SA/NSW/VIC |
ElectraNet (SA), Transgrid (NSW)
ElectraNet and Transgrid |
330 kV (main interconnector)
New 330 kV AC interconnector Robertstown–Buronga–Wagga Wagga with a 220 kV spur to Red Cliffs; staged commissioning/testing. ~900 km (project corridor) |
commissioning |
AEMO’s integration timeline targets dispatch inclusion (1 Oct 2026) and settlements changes (2 Nov 2026) ahead of full capacity release, subject to testing.
Integration dates reconfirmed on AEMO page; AER reopener consultation noted separately. Verified: 13 Sep 2026 |
- | Q4 2026 (Stage 2 completion / market integration sequencing) |
Transgrid – EnergyConnect ElectraNet 2026 TAPR (330 kV confirmation) AEMO – PEC‑MI |
| North West Transmission Developments (NWTD) – Stage 1 | TAS |
TasNetworks
TasNetworks |
220 kV AC (Stage 1)
New 220 kV double‑circuit overhead sections; substation works including Burnie, Sheffield, Palmerston; new switching station at Heybridge (for Marinus interface). Unconfirmed publicly across segments |
construction |
Construction commencement announced late August 2026; Stage 1 works program mobilising.
No week change located; program remains active. Verified: 20 Sep 2026 |
Genus (head contractor – TasNetworks notice to proceed) | 2029 (TasNetworks materials) | TasNetworks – NWTD hub (construction start notice) |
| North West Transmission Developments (Stage 1) | TAS |
TasNetworks
TasNetworks |
Unconfirmed on current page
New/augmented transmission between North‑West and Burnie nodes; staged program linked to Marinus and REZ growth. Not stated |
construction |
TasNetworks notes notice‑to‑proceed to head contractor Genus and start of construction in August 2026.
Status moved into construction in August; no in‑week change. Verified: 13 Sep 2026 |
Genus (Stage 1 head contractor) | Staged delivery 2026 onward | NWTD project page |
| Western Renewables Link | VIC |
AusNet Services
AusNet Services |
Unconfirmed on current public summary
Proposed new overhead line between Bulgana and Sydenham; EES exhibited in 2025; Ministerial assessment pending. ~190 km (project description) |
approvals |
IAC report lodged 8 May 2026; awaiting Minister’s assessment.
No new Ministerial assessment published this week. Verified: 13 Sep 2026 |
- | Subject to Minister’s assessment and subsequent approvals. | WRL – EES landing |
| Western Renewables Link (Bulgana–Sydenham) | VIC |
AusNet (VicGrid sponsor)
AusNet |
500 kV AC
New double‑circuit overhead line from Bulgana to Sydenham; upgrades at terminal stations. ~190 km (as described by PPV/AusNet materials) |
approvals |
IAC report released 15 Sep 2026; Premier ordered independent cost review same day.
Approvals process advanced (IAC report release) within week. Verified: 20 Sep 2026 |
Acciona, Genus | Q4 2029 (target practical completion per Vic Parliament QON) |
PPV WRL page (report released) Premier’s WRL statement Vic Parliament QON (WRL/VNI West context) |
| Victoria to NSW Interconnector West (Victorian component) | VIC/NSW |
Transmission Company Victoria (VIC); Transgrid (NSW)
TCV (VIC) / Transgrid (NSW) |
500 kV AC (program scope)
New double‑circuit overhead interconnector between VIC (Bulgana area) and NSW (Murray/Dinawan interface). Unconfirmed in current public VIC exhibition materials |
approvals |
Victorian EES exhibition ran 4 Aug–14 Sep 2026; hearings expected next.
Victorian EES exhibition period concluded 14 Sep 2026 within the reporting week. Verified: 20 Sep 2026 |
- | Late 2030 (indicative from VIC material) |
Vic Parliament QON noting EES exhibition dates VIC planning/scoping page |
| VNI West (Victoria to NSW Interconnector West) | VIC/NSW |
Transgrid (NSW), Transmission Company Victoria (VIC)
Transgrid (NSW), TCV/VicGrid (VIC) |
500 kV
Proposed 500 kV double‑circuit overhead line connecting Dinawan (NSW) to a new Kerang terminal and Bulgana (VIC). Not confirmed on a single authoritative source |
approvals |
NSW EIS exhibited Aug 2025; Victorian EES preparation continues with public exhibition expected in 2026.
No new approvals issued this week; status unchanged. Verified: 13 Sep 2026 |
- | Delivery sequencing aligned to Victorian approvals; NSW staged delivery flagged in July 2025 update. |
Transgrid – VNI West (NSW) VNI West NSW EIS summary VNI West – EES FAQs (VIC) |
| Clean Energy Link – Kwinana Strengthening | WA |
Western Power
Western Power |
132 kV and 330 kV (program)
New/augmented overhead lines and terminal builds to strengthen Kwinana area; exact line lengths TBD in Stage 1. Unconfirmed publicly |
planned |
Program page outlines intent to build two new terminals (132 kV and 330 kV) and connecting lines; Stage 1 target 2029, funding/approvals pending.
No week change located; included for WA pipeline completeness. Verified: 20 Sep 2026 |
- | 2029 (Stage 1 target) | Western Power – Kwinana Strengthening |
| Clean Energy Link – Northern Terminal to Neerabup 330 kV line | WA |
Western Power
Western Power |
330 kV
New double‑circuit 330 kV overhead line Northern Terminal (Malaga) to Neerabup Terminal (Pinjar), ~28 km, plus terminal augmentations within Clean Energy Link – North. ~28 km |
approvals |
Project referral for environmental approval noted by Western Power; project page active; no dated construction start published during the week.
No dated start this week; retained with environmental referral context. Verified: 30 Aug 2026 |
Western Power (owner/constructor) | Not publicly stated |
Northern Terminal to Neerabup 330 kV environmental referral submitted (Malaga–Pinjar 330 kV) |
| Northern Terminal to Henley Brook 132 kV overhead line | WA |
Western Power
Western Power |
132 kV AC
~5 km new overhead 132 kV line branching from existing network to new Henley Brook Substation. ~5 km |
construction |
Works occurring 3 September to 13 November 2026 per WA community notice.
Execution window underway during reporting period. Verified: 20 Sep 2026 |
Western Power (with contractors) | November 2026 (works window) | Western Power – Northern Terminal to Henley Brook works notice |
| Northern Terminal to Henley Brook Substation line | WA |
Western Power
Western Power |
132 kV
New overhead 132 kV line between Northern Terminal and Henley Brook (Clean Energy Link – North). ≈5 km |
construction |
Stage‑three pole‑installation works notice dated 20 Aug 2026; construction continuing.
No weekly change. Verified: 30 Aug 2026 |
Acciona (contractor) | unconfirmed | Western Power – project page (works notice 20 Aug 2026) |