Transgrid's HumeLink Project: Unlocking Australia's renewable energy potential
Customer Story | 5 min read
As renewable generation grows and energy systems become increasingly interconnected, robust transmission infrastructure is essential to ensure electricity can be delivered where and when it is needed. Transgrid's HumeLink project is a cornerstone of Australia's energy transition.
Spanning 365 kilometers across New South Wales, the new 500kv transmission line will strengthen the state's electricity network, improve system reliability, and increase the capacity to integrate renewable energy sources. By providing a stronger connection to the new generation and storage ahead of coal generation retiring, HumeLink is helping lay the foundation for a more resilient, flexible, and sustainable electricity system.
The Challenge
Keeping power flows stable over long distances
Delivering renewable energy at scale requires more than generation capacity alone. It must support the reliable movement of power across the network while maintaining the stability and performance needed to meet changing energy demands.
For long-distance transmission projects such as HumeLink, maintaining voltage stability is a critical requirement. High-voltage transmission lines naturally generate reactive power, which can lead to voltage fluctuations and impact network performance if not properly managed. Controlling these effects is essential to ensuring reliable operation, supporting efficient power transfer, and maximizing the value of new renewable energy resources connected to the grid.
Meeting these requirements calls for advanced technologies capable of maintaining stable operating conditions across the network.
The Solution
Advanced shunt reactor technology for a stronger grid
To support Transgrid's objectives, Hitachi Energy supplied six 500 kV three-phase shunt reactors for installation at the Maragle, Bannaby, and Gugaa substations along the HumeLink route. The reactors are among the first three-phase 500 kV shunt reactors deployed in Australia and are designed to provide reactive power compensation across the long transmission corridor.
Manufactured at Hitachi Energy's facility in Chongqing, China, one of the company's key global manufacturing hubs serving the growing demand for grid infrastructure, each reactor weighs more than 120 tonnes and traveled over 480 kilometres by heavy-haul transport to its destination, highlighting the scale and complexity of the project.
By absorbing excess reactive power and helping regulate voltage levels, the shunt reactors support the safe, stable, and efficient operation of the transmission network. Their role is particularly important in long-distance transmission systems, where maintaining power quality and voltage stability is critical to ensuring reliable electricity transfer.
Hitachi Energy's contribution extends beyond equipment supply. Local teams are also responsible for the assembly, installation, and testing of the reactors, as well as the delivery and installation of 28 high-voltage circuit breakers that will support the reliable operation of the HumeLink network.
The Impact
Connecting more renewable energy to the grid
Once complete, HumeLink will help strengthen power transfer between regions and unlock an additional 3,000 MW of renewable energy capacity for the grid.
By supporting voltage stability and reliable power transmission across the network, Hitachi Energy's shunt reactor technology will help Transgrid maximize the performance of this strategic transmission link and enhance the resilience of Australia's electricity system.
The project will enable greater integration of renewable energy resources, improve the movement of electricity across New South Wales, and support a more flexible and reliable grid capable of meeting future energy needs. For communities, businesses, and industries across Australia, this means stronger connections between renewable generation and consumers, helping deliver cleaner, more reliable electricity while supporting the country's long-term energy transition.
HumeLink is a critical part of the infrastructure needed to support Australia’s energy transition. By increasing the capacity of the transmission network, the project will help connect more renewable energy and move electricity more efficiently to where it is needed.
Delivering infrastructure of this scale depends on strong collaboration with trusted technology partners, and our work with Hitachi Energy is helping us move closer to a stronger and more resilient electricity network for Australia.
Today, that collaboration is translating into progress on the ground. The arrival of Australia’s first 500 kilovolt three-phase shunt reactors marks another important milestone in the HumeLink project.
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