Project EnergyConnect (South Australian Portion) socioeconomic assessment

 

Project description

Project EnergyConnect is a proposed high-capacity electricity interconnector between South Australia and New South Wales, forming a key component of the National Electricity Market. The South Australian portion involves constructing a 330 kV transmission line from Robertstown to the SA-NSW border, including a new substation.

BDO was engaged to assess the socioeconomic impacts of the project as part of an environmental impact assessment led by JBS&G. The assessment focused on local and regional effects across five LGAs and considered both construction and operational phases. 

BDO's role

As part of the engagement BDO:

• Conducted a socioeconomic impact assessment, assessing effects on local and regional economies. 
• Developed a Regional Industry Structure and Employment (RISE) model of the study area to quantify economic impacts.
• Assessed baseline demographic, economic, tourism, and housing conditions across the study area.
• Evaluated potential impacts including employment, pricing, operations, housing, and tourism.
• Proposed mitigation strategies based on stakeholder feedback and landholder consultation.

Project outcomes

BDO’s assessment demonstrated that Project EnergyConnect would deliver major economic impacts for SA, including benefits to gross state product and employment.

The project is expected to reduce electricity prices for households and businesses, improve energy reliability, and support future renewable energy investment. In 2022, construction was started for the project, and the first stage was switched on in April of 2025.