EDF Australia is focused on the development, delivery, ownership and operation of complex transmission infrastructure including Renewable Energy Zones, large-scale interconnectors, offshore wind connections, and private networks to aid Australia increase the penetration of renewable energy to meet net zero targets.
Transmission is part of EDF Group’s DNA. RTE (The French National Transmission System Operator and Owner, a subsidiary owned 50.1% by EDF Group) is France’s Transmission System Operator and the largest Transmission System Operator in Europe. The company is in charge of an impressive infrastructure of more than 100,000 km of high-voltage lines, 3000 stations, and 57 interconnections with neighbouring European countries. With over 10,000 employees, it operates, maintains and develops the grid and has the capacity to self-perform all O&M activities. In France, it is also responsible for providing balancing services, that is balancing supply and demand in real-time.
EDF power solutions also develops, owns and operates transmission infrastructure connecting its global generation portfolio.
We are proud to have access to the resources of RTE and EDF’s inhouse Power System and Transmission Engineering Centre CI2T (active in over 40 countries around the world for more than two decades). RTE and CI2T are integrated into the EDF Australia technical delivery team for projects in Australia.
The combined international capability of CI2T and RTE allows EDF Australia to have access to teams that have expertise in the end-to-end development and management of transmission networks, this includes:
- Completion of detailed grid studies and power system modelling to support network development, resolve complex technical issues and facilitate operational improvements
- Equipment specification and strategic supply chain management including supplier verification and onboarding, and factory acceptance testing
- Design and oversight of construction and commissioning of high voltage substations, transmission lines and underground/subsea cables
- Development of asset management strategies and plans
- Development of the operations strategy including TNSP readiness activities (including personnel training), network management strategies, control room strategy, emergency response processes
- Development of the efficient maintenance cycles for the network assets and efficient procedures in undertaking these activities including live work methodologies
- Development of innovation has been implemented on the French network, including network and generation dispatch optimisation using digital substation protocols, and maintenance optimisation using AI based predictive maintenance
Our References
Australia
New England Renewable Energy Zone
Energy Corporation (EnergyCo) of New South Wales (NSW) is a government entity that leads the delivery of renewable energy zones (REZs) to ensure long-term energy security for NSW. The New England REZ is anticipated to facilitate the connection of 6-8 GW of renewable energy.
As part of the project, EnergyCo is procuring a Network Operator package and a consortium to lead the system and network design, financing, construction, operation & maintenance (O&M) and ownership of the transmission network for 35 years. As the most complex transmission project in Australia, the scope includes:
- ~575 km of 500 kV and 330 kV transmission lines to connect into the existing network
- new 500 kV and 330 kV lines to connect energy hubs within NEREZ
- four energy hubs to connect energy generation and storage projects to the NEM, and
- ancillary development including road upgrades, existing network augmentation, laydowns and staging areas, etc
EDF Australia has been preparing for the project over the last 12 months, contributing to EnergyCo’s market engagements and Return on Investment (ROI). Following the Expression of Interest (EOI), EDF Australia was recently shortlisted to participate in the Network Operator tender process, launched by EnergyCo at the end of 2025. EDF Australia is now progressing to the Request for Proposal (RFP) with an offer which will be addressed in Q3 2026. The first ranked proponent is expected to be announced in Q3 2027. Given RTE’s credentials as the French TSO, we are well placed to ensure that the Network Operator will be at the heart of developing our value proposition for EnergyCo.
International
SACOI 3
France / Italia
SACOI is a three terminal HVDC interconnection between Sardinia, Corsica and Italy’s mainland close to the end of its lifetime.
The SACOI3 project is developed in partnership with the Italian network operator and consists of the modernisation of the existing link and the renewal of three HVDC stations. It will ensure an improvement in technological performance and an increase of the transmission capacity up to 400 MW.
LIGHTNING
Abu Dhabi
The Lighting project aims at reducing the carbon footprint of ADNOC oil & gas facilities and consists of two 1000 MW undersea HVDC interconnectors to supply electricity to artificial islands located more than 100 km from the coast.
EDF is part of the investor consortium with KEPCO (Korea) and Kyushu (Japan) in charge of the design, construction and operation of HVDC installation.
EDF Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to the land, water and community. We pay our respects to all members of First Nations communities and their cultures; and to Elders past and present.
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