Delivering critical energy infrastructure to help power South Australia’s renewable future

23/09/2025

A new 275kV greenfield switching station Downer is building at Roopena is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening South Australia’s transmission network and enabling the state’s clean energy transition.

Delivered in partnership with ElectraNet, the project underpins the South Australian Government’s ambition of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2027.

Gabriel Cohen, Executive Manager Power Project said that constructing the Roopena Substation had created an exciting opportunity to energise the local industry.

“We’ve engaged a 100% South Australian workforce and spent more than $30 million with local suppliers to date.

“Wherever possible, goods and services have been locally and within the state - keeping investment close to home and ensuring benefits are felt across the region,” Gabriel said.

In recent years, Downer has delivered two major projects of national significance for ElectraNet in South Australia:

• The 206km high-voltage transmission line for Project EnergyConnect (2024)
• The 270km Eyre Peninsula Link, connecting Cultana to Port Lincoln via Yadnarie (2023).

“With almost 70 years of experience in transmission, Downer is proud to be at the forefront of delivering a path toward a low-carbon future that benefits communities and helps to enable a low emissions power supply for future generations,” Gabriel said.