Expression of Interest begins for new VIC transmission infrastructure

The search for a delivery partner to build the transmission infrastructure needed for Victoria’s new offshore wind industry. 

The Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Gippsland transmission project has been released to market and VicGrid is looking for the best private sector organisations to help design, build, finance, operate and maintain the onshore transmission infrastructure that will connect Gippsland’s new offshore wind farms to the grid. 

VicGrid is seeking a development and construction partner that will work closely with local communities, Traditional Owners and landholders while driving value for money for Victorian energy users. 

The Gippsland offshore wind transmission project is expected to create an average of 600 jobs annually during the construction stage, peaking at 1,460 jobs in 2027. 

Project construction is due to commence in late 2027, with the transmission infrastructure to begin operations in 2030. 

For more information on the tender or to submit an expression of interest, interested parties can visit the project’s page on the Buying for Victoria – Tenders website. 

“We are getting on with the job of developing Australia’s first offshore wind industry which will deliver affordable and reliable power to Victorian homes and businesses. 

“Industry has a crucial role to play in the energy transition and we are looking for a transmission partner that shares our commitment to deliver the best outcomes for local communities in Gippsland,” Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said. 

This project is still subject to an Environmental Effects Statement process which is already underway, and it involves a thorough investigation of the potential environmental impacts of the project, including social, agricultural and economic aspects. 

Victoria is leading the development of offshore wind in the country and this new industry will help secure Australia’s energy future. Not only will this project help drive regional economic development, but it will also help achieve the legislated 95 per cent renewable energy targets by 2035. 

The Victorian Government will ensure communities, landowners and Traditional Owners that host crucial energy infrastructure will benefit from the energy transition. 

Communities as well as Traditional Owners that host new transmission lines will be provided with special funds created by the State Government. This fund recognise the important role that rural and regional communities are playing in the renewable energy transition. 

Moreover, landowners that host transmission infrastructure will receive $200,000 per kilometre of transmission hosted on their properties on top of the existing compensation arrangements to cover the loss of land value. 

Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Victoria State Government – Energy, Environment and Climate Action (1, 2); Infrastructure Magazine