Overcoming Challenges with Expert Solutions
The vast and rugged terrain of the project’s remote location posed significant challenges, with the dramatic landscape impacting construction throughout. The lack of essential road infrastructure, combined with diverse geological conditions, added further complexity. Accessing the site from the eastern side was particularly challenging due to the rich biodiversity in that area, which required environmentally sensitive solutions. The remote location and difficult access significantly complicated the resourcing of manpower under tight time constraints, making the logistics of deploying teams effectively even more demanding.
Recognising the need for specialised expertise, SMEC has been integral to the success of EnergyConnect. Since first being engaged by TransGrid in 2020, SMEC has had a pivotal role, during the feasibility study stage for geotechnical investigations between Wagga Wagga and Buronga. In 2021, SMEC’s involvement expanded under Elecnor Australia (formerly known as Secure Energy Joint Venture) to include additional geotechnical investigations and construction phase services. In close collaboration with TransGrid and its construction delivery partner Elecnor Australia, SMEC has played a crucial role in delivering comprehensive geotechnical investigations and construction phase services. Under this project, SMEC was awarded a total of eight packages, with most of the geotechnical work delivered by late 2023.
Innovative geotechnical practices
In order to successfully overcome the geotechnical challenges faced by the TransGrid, SMEC’s highly skilled Geotechnical team adopted innovative geotechnical practices such as digital logging and digital field data acquisition. This enabled SMEC to overcome the dramatic variations in terrain and to provide TransGrid with a weekly data package, containing the results from previous weeks.
Providing Long-Term Benefits to Communities
Upon completion, Project EnergyConnect is set to deliver transformative benefits to Australian communities. It will contribute to reducing power prices, enhancing energy security, and stimulating regional economic growth by creating job opportunities and supporting local industries. The project will also play a crucial role in advancing Australia’s transition to a cleaner energy future, with a strong focus on sustainability. We are committed to delivering real sustainability outcomes by reducing our carbon footprint, minimising energy and water use, protecting valuable biodiversity, decreasing waste, and building resilience against forecast climate impacts.
SMEC’s national approach to resourcing significant projects like EnergyConnect has been crucial in addressing the demands of this monumental task. By mobilising staff from Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and multiple offices across New South Wales, SMEC has ensured the project’s success. The dedication and expertise of SMEC’s geotechnics team have been key to overcoming the project’s challenges and achieving its goals.