One of the most complex substations ever built in Australia has been completed and energised.
The 15-hectare Buronga substation creates a key connection hub between New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria.
The new facility, part of Transgrid’s $1.8 billion EnergyConnect interconnector, is designed to integrate large-scale renewable generation into the grid and manage interstate power flows.
Delivered by Transgrid and Elecnor Australia over three years, the project consumed 24,000m³ of concrete, 1,800 concrete piles and 420,000 metres of low-voltage cabling.
The facility houses a 60-metre-long machine hall and highly specialised equipment sourced globally, including synchronous condensers, shunt reactors, step-down and power transformers, capacitor banks, and phase-shifting transformers.
Buronga is the first substation in the world to operate five phase-shifting transformers in parallel. Rated at 200MVA each, the units provide enhanced load sharing, transmission capacity and grid stability, while reducing congestion across the network.
“EnergyConnect is critical to improving the reliability and security of the National Electricity Market as coal-fired power stations retire, with interconnections to boost energy sharing between NSW, South Australia and Victoria,” said Transgrid Executive General Manager of Major Projects Gordon Taylor.
“The Buronga substation is a true feat in design, engineering, construction and commissioning.”
Taylor confirmed energisation of the final section lifted transfer capacity from 150MW to 800MW, ahead of the 540km eastern link from Buronga to Wagga Wagga.
Once completed, the 900km interconnector will allow more renewable energy to flow between the three states, while lowering wholesale power costs.
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