CIMIC Group companies UGL and CPB Contractors have been selected by Transgrid to deliver the western section of the HumeLink high voltage electricity transmission project.

HumeLink is a new transmission project which will connect Wagga Wagga, Bannaby and Maragle in regional New South Wales, and will significantly increase the capacity of the electricity network in Australia’s eastern states. It is one of the state’s largest energy infrastructure projects, with about 385kms of proposed new transmission lines and a range of other new and upgraded infrastructure.

The project, based on an incentivised target cost contract, will generate revenue of more than $1.4 billion for UGL and CPB Contractors.

The UGL and CPB Contractors joint venture will be responsible for the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of the western portion of HumeLink, including 148kms of 500kV transmission lines, from the Snowy 2.0 connection at Maragle to Wagga Wagga. The joint venture will also construct two new 500kV substations at Gugaa and Maragle and an augmentation at Transgrid’s existing Wagga Wagga 330kV substation.

CIMIC Group Executive Chairman Juan Santamaria said: “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.”

UGL Managing Director Doug Moss said: “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.”

CPB Contractors Managing Director Jason Spears said: “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 structured in two stages, with early works to begin immediately andfinish in mid-2024, including detailed design, investigations, procurement and project mobilisation. The second stage comprises main construction works and will begin after all project approvals have been granted and the final investment decision made, expected to occur in mid-2024.