In the heart of Bago State Forest in NSW (two hours from Wagga Wagga in NSW), a significant development is underway that marks a pivotal step towards bolstering Australia's renewable energy infrastructure. The Maragle switchyard and accompanying overhead transmission lines are being meticulously constructed by UGL for our customer, Transgrid. This project, spanning from Maragle to Lobs Hole within Kosciusko National Park in New South Wales, marks a pivotal connection point for Snowy Hydro 2.0 to the National Electricity Market (NEM).
As part of Snowy Hydro 2.0, the largest committed renewable energy project in Australia, Maragle switchyard will facilitate the supply of 350,000 MWh of large-scale energy storage to the NEM. This contribution is vital for enhancing the stability and reliability of the NEM, especially during prolonged periods of adverse weather.
Katelyn Sharp, Environmental Graduate with the UGL projects team, recently visited the Maragle project as part of first year rotation in the CIMIC Group graduate program.
What was your role on site?
“I was a part of the environmental team auditing utilities projects, which happened to be Maragle. The main goal of the audit was to ensure the project was operating in compliance with any contractual or regulatory obligations and picking up on any opportunities the project could benefit from. We also wanted to help aid the connection between on site and off site enviros so that they are aware we are here to help them if any issues do arise.”
What did you do onsite?
“I got to go on a site tour of Maragle (one of two sites for the Maragle project) which had begun their pre-construction phase. On this site we got to walk around, see the types of erosion, weed, and disease controls as well as the preparation going on. I then travelled to Lobs Hole (the eastern side of the project) to see the operation over there. I also spent time with Brendan Toohey, UGL Environmental Manager on Maragle, learning more about the project.”
What have you learnt in your time at UGL?
“Seeing our projects in action really drives home how crucial my role is at UGL. We need to help the team manage any environmental impact of the project, while they also focus on delivering the contract for our client."