VicGrid seeks 2GW Gippsland offshore grid connection partner

VicGrid, the body responsible for planning Victoria’s renewable energy zones and new transmission infrastructure, is looking for an industry partner to help it deliver the connections needed for the state’s offshore wind.

The Gippsland offshore wind transmission project will enable the transportation of electricity generated by 2GW of planned offshore wind capacity to power 1.5 million homes.

VicGrid started a competitive two-stage tender process last December to identify a development partner to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the transmission line and connection hub for the Gippsland project.

The first stage of the tender process – expressions of interest – is open until mid-February 2025. Construction work is due to begin in late 2027, and the infrastructure will start operating in 2030.

The transmission to support offshore wind is subject to an Environmental Effects Statement (EES) process, which is already under way, VicGrid noted.