Acciona has been appointed by the Western Australian government to deliver a significant component of the Clean Energy Link – East (CEL–East) electricity transmission project, a scheme valued at A$655m ($455m) and intended to support the region’s transition to renewable energy.
The announcement follows the selection of Acciona, in partnership with GenusPlus and UGL Engineering, to undertake key aspects of the project.
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Under the contract, Acciona will construct a new electricity transmission terminal south of Darkan, around 200km from Perth.
This facility is designed to connect forthcoming renewable energy developments to the state’s existing power networks.
CEL–East will include new transmission lines, a new terminal at Cordering, expansions to the Shotts and Muja terminals, and upgrades to parts of the network.
Planned works will include 38km of new 330kV transmission lines between Shotts and Cordering, along with 54km of 330kV lines from Muja to Cordering.
Once operational, the infrastructure is expected to enable approximately 2.3GW of renewable energy capacity, estimated to be sufficient to power around one million households.
Stage one will focus on new and upgraded lines between Collie and Darkan to support additional energy delivery from renewable energy zones in the east and south-east.
Project organisers anticipate an initial creation of 300 jobs, with the number rising to 600 at the peak of construction.
Acciona has stated its intention to work closely with local communities and landowners, to use regional contractors, and to support technical training and inclusion of the Aboriginal workforce.
Western Australia (WA) Premier Roger Cook said: “Affordable, reliable, and lower carbon energy will power jobs in defence, advanced manufacturing, and the downstream processing of our minerals, including in green iron.
“That includes investing in Clean Energy Link – East to secure local jobs and opportunities for WA businesses while building a stronger energy system.
“Having granted it Priority Project status, we are fast-tracking its delivery, supporting up to 600 local jobs and ensuring our grid is ready for when we get out of State-owned coal by 2030.”
This contract builds on Acciona’s existing commitments in the region, where it is also involved in the Clean Energy Link North project and the HumeLink transmission line in New South Wales.
Acciona says these efforts will enhance the reliability and capacity of WA’s power network, supporting the gradual shift away from coal-fired generation.
Last month, Acciona received environmental clearance from the General Directorate of Environmental Affairs for Electricity (DGAAE) under Peru’s Ministry of Energy and Mines for two high-voltage transmission line projects.
