Another key milestone for the SA-NSW Interconnector (Project EnergyConnect) has been met with planning approval granted for a significant section of the route in NSW.
“This is great news for electricity prices, renewable energy projects and jobs in South Australia,” said Minister for Energy and Planning Dan van Holst Pellekaan.
“At 900 kilometres in length the $2.3 billion EnergyConnect will be the longest high voltage transmission line built in Australia and deliver a renewable energy jobs boom along its route.
“The Marshall Government has already delivered $303 in annual savings for South Australian households and EnergyConnect will deliver another $100 of savings for households and thousands of dollars of savings for energy intensive small businesses,” said Minister for Energy Dan van Holst Pellekaan.
“The section, from the SA Border to Buronga, will connect South Australia to NSW directly for the first time, allowing the sharing of energy across the border.
“The planning approval comes the day after the NSW Government matched the Marshall Liberal Government’s commitment to cut emissions by 50% by 2030.
“EnergyConnect will be a freeway for green energy produced in South Australia and exported to New South Wales.
“South Australia is a good global citizen and will become a net exporter of renewable energy as part of our aspiration of net-100% renewables in the 2030’s.
“This shows that South Australia and NSW can support each other by sharing excess renewable energy.
“In the face of years of opposition from SA Labor, we’re building what matters to deliver cleaner, more affordable, more reliable power.
“EnergyConnect is the latest piece in a suite of energy policies that have transformed the shockingly expensive, blackout prone electricity system left behind by the previous Labor Government.
“EnergyConnect also delivers on a promise first made by Rann Labor Opposition in the lead up to the 2002 state election.”
