Transgrid has chosen CIMIC Group companies UGL and CPB Contractors to deliver the western section of the HumeLink high voltage electricity transmission project.
HumeLink is a significant energy infrastructure project in NSW, connecting Wagga Wagga, Bannaby, and Maragle, aiming to boost the electricity network capacity in Australia’s eastern states. The project includes 385km of proposed new transmission lines and other upgraded infrastructure.
According to CIMIC, the project will generate over $1.4 billion in revenue for UGL and CPB Contractors.
“We are pleased to be delivering the western part of HumeLink. The project will increase the amount of renewable energy that can be delivered across the national electricity grid, delivering reliable and sustainable power. It will also support economic growth and local jobs and skills,” CIMIC Group Executive Chairman Juan Santamaria commented.
The joint venture of UGL and CPB Contractors will be in charge of the engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning of the western portion of HumeLink, which includes 148 kilometres of 500kV transmission lines from the Snowy 2.0 link at Maragle to Wagga Wagga. In addition, the joint venture will build two new 500kV substations at Gugaa and Maragle, as well as an augmentation of Transgrid’s current Wagga Wagga 330kV substation.
“UGL is a leader in the design, construction, commissioning, and operation of high voltage energy assets, having installed more than 6,000kms of transmission lines and more than 200 substations across Australia. We’re pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with Transgrid and bring our decades of experience to the delivery of this nationally significant project,” UGL Managing Director Doug Moss said.
Meanwhile, CPB Contractors Managing Director Jason Spears stated, “As a leader in major infrastructure construction, CPB Contractors brings extensive regional delivery experience to this important project and, as our team work collaboratively with local businesses and communities to maximise the economic benefits this project brings, we’ll also be working with local partners to ensure a positive skills legacy is achieved for the area.”
The HumeLink contracts are divided into two phases, with early works beginning immediately and concluding in mid-2024, comprising comprehensive design, investigations, procurement, and project mobilisation. The second stage will commence after all project clearances have been granted and the final investment decision has been made, which is expected in mid-2024.
