Major substation launched at Western Sydney Aerotropolis

Endeavour Energy has launched its first piece of critical energy infrastructure at the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI).

The Western Sydney Airport Transmission Substation was officially opened by Prue Car, NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, and the NSW Minister for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Heritage Penny Sharpe.

Western Sydney Airport Transmission Substation.

The substation is part of a $320 million suite of energy infrastructure planned for the new airport and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis that surrounds it. The infrastructure, to be rolled out in stages, includes new substations, high-voltage feeders and a switching station. Together, these assets are intended to support airport operations, enable new industries and jobs, and underpin the long-term growth of the Aerotropolis.

Car described the Western Sydney International Airport and the Aerotropolis as “once-in-a-generation projects”. Sharpe added that the investment will ensure that Western Sydney and the Aerotropolis had the critical energy infrastructure needed to grow.

“By supporting early investment in critical electricity infrastructure, we’re ensuring jobs growth across Western Sydney is well planned, resilient and sustainable into the future,” she said.

The Western Sydney Aerotropolis spans more than 11,000 hectares and will grow around the 1780-hectare airport. It’s anticipated the airport and Aerotropolis will support more than 120,000 new jobs and attract 1.5 million people to the region over the next decade.

Endeavour Energy CEO Danny Cooper said delivering energy infrastructure at this scale required innovation, careful planning and strong partnerships.

“Western Sydney International Airport is a nation-shaping development and working in partnership with the NSW and federal governments, as well as key stakeholders including the airport, has been critical to ensuring the right energy infrastructure is in place from day one,” he said.

“At Endeavour Energy, we listen to stakeholder feedback, and we plan well ahead for growth, designing the energy systems that future industries and communities in this region depend on.”

WSI CEO Simon Hickey said Sydney’s new 24-hour airport is built to serve the city for the next century, with reliable energy infrastructure critical to its long-term growth.

“WSI is a modern, technologically enabled airport that will reshape Sydney’s and Australia’s global connectivity and aviation landscape,” he said.

“Ensuring we’re powered with world-class, reliable energy is essential for WSI’s 24-hour capability, which will finally put Sydney on the global stage alongside other major gateways around the world.

“Working in partnership with Endeavour Energy to put the right power in place gives airlines, our customers and our business and cargo precinct partners, confidence knowing that the airport will grow in line with demand, while continuing to operate to global standards.”

Round-up of Aerotropolis energy infrastructure

North Bradfield Zone Substation.

• Western Sydney Airport Transmission Substation: a 132 kV digital transmission substation built to deliver the first major power supply into the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport. As Endeavour Energy’s largest indoor transmission substation, it can scale as the airport expands over the coming decades, supporting one of Australia’s largest infrastructure projects and a region expected to attract 1.5 million people within 10 years. (Commissioned).
   
• Western Sydney Airport Zone Substation: will supply power to Burra Park, a new logistics and industrial hub opposite the airport terminal. (Expected commissioning June 2026).
   
• Aerotropolis 132 kV Feeder Network: approx 30 km of underground high-voltage backbone feeder delivering sub-transmission electrical supply through Bringelly, Luddenham, Orchard Hills, Kemps Creek, Badgerys Creek and South Erskine, Park forming the core supply route into the Western Sydney Aerotropolis region. Supplies critical precincts including Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport Line, Sydney Science Park, Western Sydney International Airport, Agribusiness and Bradfield City precincts. (Commissioned).
   
• North Bradfield Zone Substation: will provide early power to Bradfield City, eventually delivering 10,000 homes and 20,000 jobs. It will also supply the logistics and industrial hub at Inghams Business Park. (Expected commissioning late March 2026).
   
• Badgerys Creek Zone Substation: will support growing electricity demand across Badgerys Creek industrial and commercial precinct. This 132/22 kV digital substation will supply two major business parks, new commercial developments and Sydney Water’s Upper South Creek Advanced Water Recycling Centre. (Stage 1 to be commissioned mid-2027, Stage 2 to be commissioned mid-2028).
   
• Orchard Hills Switching Station: will connect the 132 kV underground transmission feeder with substations to deliver power to the Aerotropolis. It will also be crucial for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport Line, supporting a stable power supply for the new metro connection from St Marys to the airport and Bradfield City. (Commissioned).
   

Western Sydney Airport Zone Substation.

Top image caption: Western Sydney Airport Transmission Substation. All images courtesy of Endeavour Energy.