- Published:
- Tuesday 10 December 2024
The Allan Labor Government is building Australia’s first offshore wind industry which is one step closer to delivering affordable, renewable energy to households and businesses.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio today announced the Expression of Interest for a company to build the transmission necessary to connect Gippsland’s new offshore wind farms to the grid.
Through this process, VicGrid will select the best private sector organisations to help it design, build, finance, operate and maintain the onshore transmission infrastructure.
VicGrid is looking for 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.
This project is expected to create an average of 600 jobs a year in the construction phase, peaking at 1460 during 2027. Construction is expected to commence in late 2027 and the infrastructure will begin operating in 2030.
The transmission to support offshore wind is subject to an Environmental Effects Statement process, which is now underway and 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 Australia and this new industry will help secure our energy future, driving regional economic development, and achieving legislated 95% renewable energy targets by 2035.
The Labor Government is making sure communities, landowners and Traditional Owners that host crucial energy infrastructure benefit from the energy transition.
Communities and Traditional Owners that host new transmission lines will benefit from special funds created by the Victorian Government. The funds recognise the important role that rural and regional communities are playing in the renewable energy transition.
Landowners that host transmission infrastructure will receive $200,000 per kilometre of transmission hosted on their properties, which is on top of existing compensation arrangements, which cover the loss of land value.
Companies who wish place an expression of interest or seeking further information should visit, tenders.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio
“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.”