Clean Energy Link – North transmission build kicks off in Western Australia

Construction in Western Australia (WA) of two new transmission lines as part of the Clean Energy Link – North (CEL – North) project have officially begun, paving the way for Perth consumers to be connected to more solar and more than 1 GW of onshore wind power generation.

The works are expected to take 12 months over three stages, with the first involving trenching and/or horizontal directional drilling to install the underground conduit.

Works being carried out by Spanish clean energy infrastructure conglomerate Acciona include 6 kilometres of 132 kV underground cabling between Padbury Substation, located 21 kilometres north of Perth, and Wangara Substation, roughly 8 kilometres to the west.

Five kilometres of 132 kV transmission overhead line will link the Northern Terminal, 18 kilometres north of Perth, to Henley Brook Substation, 14 kilometres northwest of the Northern Terminal.

Poles and wires for the project are also locally made under the state government’s Made in WA initiative, which prioritises locally fabricated and manufactured materials, and is managed by state-owned distribution network service provider (DNSP) Western Power.

A sod turning event was held to mark the beginning of construction on 23 July 2026 and transmission line works are expected to be completed by mid-2027.

WA Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said when complete, Clean Energy Link – North will power thousands of local homes, while capitalising on WA’s abundant wind and solar resources.

“Our focus is simple; keep power reliable and affordable while creating local jobs. That’s why we are building the infrastructure we need to unlock renewable energy opportunities,” Sanderson said.