Feedback sought for preferred route on the Mount Piper to Wallerawang Transmission Line Upgrade project

Mount Piper to Wallerawang Transmission Line Upgrade, renewables, sustainability, Transgrid, transmissions,

January 22, 2024

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Members of the community are encouraged to provide feedback on a preferred route for the Mount Piper to Wallerawang Transmission Line Upgrade project in New South Wales.

Members of the community are being encouraged to provide feedback on a preferred route for a new transmission line critical to delivering cleaner, cheaper and more reliable electricity from NSW’s first Renewable Energy Zone in the state’s central west.

Transgrid has released the Preferred Route Report for the proposed Mount Piper to Wallerawang Transmission Line Upgrade Project for public consultation.

About the Mount Piper to Wallerawang Transmission Line Upgrade project

Transgrid is proposing to build a new 330kV transmission line between the existing Mount Piper and Wallerawang substations. Switchbays and other equipment will be installed within both substations to connect the new transmission lines.

“Transgrid is delivering the critical transmission infrastructure identified by the Commonwealth and NSW governments to realise their clean energy vision,” says Executive General Manager of Delivery Craig Stallan.

“The Mount Piper to Wallerawang Transmission Line Upgrade Project will strengthen and reinforce the grid in the State’s Central Tablelands, supporting the delivery of 3,000MW of new generation from the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone to consumers.

“Following extensive community and stakeholder consultation, we have identified a preferred route with the lowest possible impact on landowners and the environment, utilising an existing transmission line corridor,” says Executive General Manager of Delivery Craig Stallan.

“Transgrid encourages residents, landowners, community organisations, First Nations people, local councils and other key stakeholders to have their say as we continue to plan this critical transmission infrastructure to support our clean energy future.”

The project will see a new 8km, 330kV transmission line built between existing substations at Mount Piper and Wallerawang utilising an existing transmission line corridor part of which borders land between Centennial Coal and the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area.

Transgrid followed a rigorous route selection process that analysed technical, environmental, social and economic factors. This critical project will be subject to an environmental impact assessment. It will also support local businesses and jobs during construction.

“We recognise the vital role that landowners and the community play in the planning and delivery of this project and encourage everyone to share their views and local knowledge to help us shape the best possible solution,” says Executive General Manager of Delivery Craig Stallan.

Community information events will be held in Wallerawang and Lithgow in March 2024 for local residents to ask questions of the project team and provide their feedback.