VicGrid is also working on transmission and network upgrades across the state, which will improve and modernise the grid in the areas where sun and wind are abundant so more renewables can flow through Victoria.

Current and planned projects in Victoria

Development of connection points and shared transmission infrastructure for offshore wind developers in Gippsland and Portland to enable the first target of at least 2GW of offshore wind by 2032.

Status

Early scoping by VicGrid.

Benefit

Connecting around 5 GW of new offshore wind generation in Portland and Gippsland, providing a major new energy source that helps secure Victoria’s energy future. Government-led development will ensure that the investment reduces overall costs to consumers and impacts on local communities.

We will coordinate the development of a transmission solution that avoids multiple transmission lines overlapping the landscape from offshore wind projects.

A coordinated approach will reduce duplication, minimise impacts to regional communities hosting the new transmission, and avoid unnecessary energy costs for Victorian households and businesses.

Consultation

VicGrid released the Offshore Wind Transmission Development and Engagement Roadmap in early 2023 that sets out a 4-phase approach for reaching preferred connection points and transmission corridors.

We’ll seek to partner with Traditional Owners as rights holders.

Communities and landowners in Gippsland and the Portland area will be at the heart of our work.

Visit Engage Victoria to learn more about the process for planning transmission to support offshore wind.

VNI West is a proposed new high-capacity 500 kV double-circuit overhead transmission line between Victoria and New South Wales, running from Dinawan NSW via a new substation near Kerang to a terminal station connecting into the Western Renewables Link at Bulgana.

Status

RIT-T was completed by AEMO-Victoria Planning (AVP) (Victorian side) and Transgrid (NSW side) in May 2023.

In the early works stage (Route Refinement and Planning) by Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) (Victorian side) and Transgrid (NSW side). This stage is due to be completed in early 2026.

Visit TCV’s website to learn more and read the status of the project and ongoing opportunities for community input.

Visit the AEMO website to learn more about the RIT-T for VNI-West.

Benefit

Allows for approximately 3.4 GW of additional renewable generation to be built across the solar-rich Murray River Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) and wind-rich Western Victoria REZ.

Connects Victoria to electricity supply and storage in NSW, ensuring reliable electricity access during high demand periods.

Enables export capacity to other states, particularly for offshore wind.

Western Renewables Link is a 190 km high voltage overhead transmission line from Sydenham to Bulgana in Victoria’s west.
Status

RIT-T completed by AEMO.

In the planning and approvals stage led by AusNet. This state is due to be completed in early 2025.

Visit AusNet’s Western Renewables Link project website to learn more and read the status of the project and ongoing opportunities for community input.

Visit the AEMO website to learn more about the RIT-T for WRL.

Benefit

The project is critical infrastructure required to unlock the renewable energy potential of western Victoria as a key Renewable Energy Zone and will help to deliver clean and affordable energy to Victorians.

WRL connects VNI West to the Victorian electricity grid, including major load centres and increases hosting capacity.

Marinus Link is a proposed undersea and underground electricity connection to further link Tasmania and Victoria.

Status

In Design and Approvals phase by Marinus Link Pty Ltd.

Benefit

It will provide access to capacity from Tasmania’s existing hydro capacity when needed.

A 125 MW big battery with grid forming inverter technology near Kerang to provide system strength services.

Status

Works commenced by Edify Energy. Second REZ Stage 1 Projects Ministerial Order.

Benefit

Will increase renewable hosting capacity by up to 300 MW in the Murray River REZ.

A 250 megavolt amperes synchronous condenser next to the Ararat Terminal Station to provide system strength services.

Status

Works commenced by Australian Energy Operations. Fourth REZ Stage 1 Projects Ministerial Order.

Benefit

Will unlock up to 600 MW of new renewable energy in the Western Victoria REZ.

A project to connect the existing 500 kV Tarrone-to-Haunted Gully transmission line to the Mortlake Terminal Station.

Status

Works commenced by AusNet. Third REZ Stage 1 Projects Ministerial Order.

Benefit

Will improve voltage stability and reduce generation constraints in the South-West Victoria REZ.

Nine minor network augmentations to

  • manage thermal loading
  • increase thermal capacity
  • establish dynamic line ratings
  • or control schemes across multiple REZs.

Status

Works commenced by AusNet. Third REZ Stage 1 Projects Ministerial Order.

Page last updated: 17/11/23