The HumeLink project is a 500kV electricity transmission project being developed in New South Wales, Australia. It consists of about 360km of transmission line, linking Wagga Wagga, Bannaby and Maragle.
The A$1.4bn (about $909m) project is designed to strengthen the southern shared network, connect Snowy 2.0 to the National Electricity Market, and facilitate the integration of renewable generation.
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Transgrid, the operator of the NSW transmission network, is delivering the project following its designation as a priority project by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and the Commonwealth and NSW Governments.
Project Route
HumeLink extends across southern New South Wales, beginning at Wagga Wagga in the Riverina region, traversing north-east to Bannaby in the Southern Tablelands, and southward to Maragle near Tumbarumba.
The alignment covers rural and forested landscapes and passes through multiple local government areas. The corridor was finalised after extensive studies and consultation with landowners and stakeholders. The project will include two sections: HumeLink East and HumeLink West.
HumeLink East
The eastern section of HumeLink runs from the Bannaby substation to Wondalga. It spans approximately 237km of dual-circuit 500kV transmission line. The scope of work includes expansion works at the Bannaby substation to accommodate the new connection.
Early enabling works began in early 2025, with construction activities scheduled to progress during the second half of the year.
HumeLink West
The western section covers 140km from Maragle to Wagga Wagga, with an interface point at Wondalga linking to the eastern section. The scope includes the construction of two new 500kV substations at Gugaa (near Wagga Wagga) and Maragle, together with the augmentation of the existing Wagga Wagga substation.
Enabling works commenced in January 2025, including site establishment, traffic management, and construction of access tracks, with major works scheduled to follow later in 2025.
HumeLink Transmission Project Capacity and Infrastructure Details
The project involves the installation of approximately 850 steel lattice transmission towers, each between 50 and 76m high, depending on terrain. The towers will carry dual-circuit 500kV conductors, with spans ranging from 300 to 600m.
Suspension towers are designed to carry vertical loads, while tension towers manage changes in line direction and horizontal forces.
Foundations are reinforced concrete, tailored to terrain conditions. Substations at Bannaby, Gugaa, Maragle and Wagga Wagga will integrate the line into the state network.
Development and Timeline
The project passed through multiple stages of planning, including route identification, corridor refinement, and preparation of Environmental Impact Statements. The New South Wales Government granted planning approval in late 2023.
Enabling works on the western section commenced in January 2025, and enabling works on the eastern section followed in the first quarter of 2025.
Transgrid has indicated that major construction across both sections is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2025, with completion expected later this decade.
Transgrid estimates that HumeLink will create around 1,600 direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs across regional New South Wales during the construction phase.
HumeLink Transmission Project Financing and Ownership
The project is owned and delivered by Transgrid, which operates the high-voltage transmission network in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. The investment requires approval by the Australian Energy Regulator under a contingent project framework.
Final investment decisions are conditional on demonstrating long-term net benefits to consumers. Transgrid has estimated a net consumer benefit of nearly A$500m, with substantial employment opportunities during construction.
Technological Details
The HumeLink line employs 500kV dual-circuit overhead transmission technology, suited for long-distance electricity transfer. Tower design varies between suspension and tension types depending on landscape requirements.
Conductor installation uses pulley blocks and winches, and in some instances, drones or helicopters are employed for stringing.
Construction includes brake-and-winch areas every few kilometres to manage conductor tension. Disturbed land is rehabilitated in consultation with landowners following completion of works.
Contractors and Suppliers
In January 2025, Transgrid appointed the UGL and CPB Contractors joint venture to deliver the HumeLink West section, including new substations at Gugaa and Maragle as well as upgrades at Wagga Wagga. Around the same time, enabling works commenced across the western corridor.
For HumeLink East, Transgrid engaged Acciona in partnership with Genus in early 2025 to design and construct the 237km line from Bannaby to Wondalga.
In parallel, Aurecon has been retained as the engineering partner since 2024, providing detailed design and advisory services across the overall programme.
Technology supply contracts were also finalised in late 2024, with Hitachi Energy selected to deliver high-voltage circuit breakers for both the eastern and western sections.
