REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOYDER
RENEWABLES ENERGY PROJECTS UPDATE REPORT – 31 AUGUST 2021
1 Electranet Project Energy Connect – Interconnector
From the Robertstown Power Substation to the SA/NSW border.
Electranet have announced on 31 May 2021 that the Australian Energy Regulator has approved the expenditure of $2.28 billion to deliver the project from Robertstown to Wagga Wagga in NSW. This includes $457 million for Electranet to construct the South Australian section of the project. Transgrid has made an investment decision to proceed with the NSW section of the project & the Electranet Board will consider it’s final investment decision in the first week of June.
I have been in contact with the management of the 2 contractors that are tendering for the position of Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) contractor to the Interconnector project. These companies are Downer Utilities & UGL. They are very keen to use local accommodation, business services & labour as part of their tender.
I have prepared & provided a costing of a local accommodation proposal for approximately 130 workers being housed for 12 months in furnished residential housing as well as the normal tourist type accommodation of motels, hotels, caravan parks, cottages & bed & breakfast housing.
I understand that the tenders were lodged in early August and an appointment of the contractor will be made in early October.
The project is planned to commence at the end of the year or early 2022.
2 Neoen – Goyder Renewables Zone
Stage 1,2 & 3 – South of Burra & North of Robertstown near World’s End & Bright.
I continue to liaise with the local Community Coordinator, Hannah Willson and have discussions re using local accommodation, business services & labour for up to 300 workers on the project.
Neoen are in the process of appointing an EPC contractor, as well as continuing soil testing & then commencing light civil construction work with planned commencement of Stage 1 in the first half of 2022. In October and November, Neoen will hold Local Employment and Supplier Networking sessions in Burra, Robertstown and Eudunda. These sessions are an opportunity for the local community to learn more about the project and link up with contractors and work opportunities. The sessions will be advertised locally, and those who have registered through the Neoen website link ”Work with Us” will be invited to come along and connect with the project team.
3 EPS Energy/Amp Energy – Robertstown Solar
Near Robertstown Power Substation, 5kms north east of Robertstown.
EPS Energy announced on 4 May 2021 the selection of Amp Energy as the successful development partner to progress the EPS Solar & Storage facility at Robertstown.
EPS Energy announced on 4 May 2021 the selection of Amp Energy as the successful development partner to progress the EPS Solar & Energy Storage facility at Robertstown.
The following information was provided by Jeff Burns, one of the owners of EPS Energy and Dean Cooper, Head of the Asia Pacific region of Amp Energy:
Amp Power Australia Pty Ltd, the Australian operation arm of Amp Energy, have commenced the grid connection process for the site. The project is undergoing detailed site design and is expected to begin staged energisation in late 2022 with construction expected sometime before then, subject to Project Energy Connect.
4 Solar River Project
Near Florieton between Burra & Morgan.
The project includes a 200MW photovoltaic array comprising 630000 solar panels and a 200MW battery at a capital cost of $480 million. The project is estimated to require 250 workers over the construction period of 2 years. A contracting company, AECOM, is doing technical & engineering work on a Transmission Construction Agreement which is expected to be completed in the September 2021 quarter. After that, the company will progress to appointing an Engineering Procurement Construction contractor with construction estimated to commence at the beginning of 2022.
5 Australia Plains Solar Farm – Green Gold Energy
Approx 16 kms north east of Eudunda.
Green Gold Energy plan to build a 150MW solar farm with 300 jobs created. A Development Application has been lodged and approval is expected by the end of 2021. Connection approval to the grid is expected to be approved by the middle of 2022 with construction to commence at the end of 2022.
They are also planning a 100MW solar farm on the Goyder Highway near Morgan and are awaiting Development Application approval for that project as well.
6 Twin Creek Wind Farm – Renewable Energy Systems
Between Eudunda and Kapunda.
The project involves the construction of 51 wind turbines producing 613000 MWh of power per year. Approx 160 workers are expected during construction. They are progressing with the various planning and permitting workstreams with an anticipated date of commencement in October 2022.
Local Advantages & Benefits
The Regional Council of Goyder councilors & staff, the Burra Community Association, Eudunda Community Business & Tourism Committee (ECBAT) & the Robertstown & District Community & Management Committee are ensuring that the maximum possible impact & interaction is gained from these projects in the local communities from Burra to Eudunda by connecting the contractors of each project to the local labour force, accommodation & food providers & other businesses. This is being done as a community service project with Mel Zerner, a former local Eudunda resident, voluntarily assisting Goyder Council & the other community groups in this initiative.
Mel is in regular contact with the key owners or employees of all of the above projects to obtain status reports and then respond to their local requirements as required.