The Western Australian Government approved the construction of a new $443 million transmission line for the state’s Mid-West region.

 

“The 330kV transmission line will enable the connection of new mining projects at Three Springs, facilitate the connection of new sources of electricity generation in the Mid-West and secure power supplies for the people of the region,” State Energy Minister Peter Collier said.

 

“The construction of this transmission line and associated works is due to commence in June and will utilise up to 300 construction workers over a two-year period.

 

“The Mid West Energy Project will provide more than 500MW of additional capacity for the Mid-West region. This is equivalent to supplying 500 large supermarkets with typical peak power demand.”

 

The 189km transmission line will run from Neerabup (north of Perth) to Eneabba. It then connects with the 70km line between Eneabba and Three Springs, being constructed by Karara Mining Limited. This line will ultimately be purchased as a part of the Mid West Energy Project and will service both the Karara mine site and the broader region through the Three Springs Terminal substation.

 

Between Neerabup and Eneabba, more than 2,000 wooden power poles will be removed and replaced with 387 transmission towers, weighing a total of 10,000 tonnes.

 

Planning has started on Stage 2 of the project to extend the 330kV line a further 160km north to Geraldton (Moonyoonooka).

 

When combined with Stage 1, the project will facilitate the construction and operation of several other major Mid-West infrastructure developments, including Oakajee Port and Rail, and the proposed Oakajee Industrial Estate adjoining the port.

 

Karara Mining Limited is developing a magnetite mine 100km east of Three Springs and is currently constructing a double circuit 330kV transmission line between Eneabba and its mine site.