ACCIONA selected to help deliver Gippsland offshore wind transmission
A global infrastructure company has been named the preferred development partner for the Gippsland offshore wind transmission project, with the 2GW project expected to be completed in 2031.
GIPPSLAND’S offshore wind industry has taken another step forward, with infrastructure company ACCIONA selected to help develop the transmission network needed to connect offshore wind energy to Victoria’s electricity grid.
VicGrid has appointed ACCIONA as its preferred development partner for the 2 gigawatt (GW) Gippsland offshore wind transmission project, which is expected to deliver enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes.
VicGrid chief executive officer Alistair Parker said the appointment was an important milestone in preparing Victoria’s electricity network for the future.
“Connecting offshore wind to Victoria’s electricity network is an important part of preparing our grid for the future, and ACCIONA’s appointment brings us another step closer to making that happen,” Mr Parker said.
ACCIONA will work alongside VicGrid on the project’s design development, procurement and project management, helping prepare the transmission infrastructure for construction.
The project includes a major new overhead transmission line running between a proposed terminal station near Giffard and the Loy Yang Power Station switchyard. A preferred route for the line has already been identified.
The infrastructure is intended to support the connection of offshore wind energy generated off the Gippsland coast, helping maintain a reliable electricity supply as Victoria’s coal-fired power stations close and new sources of generation connect to the grid.
Mr Parker said ACCIONA brought significant experience to the project, with the next phase to focus on detailed design, planning and approvals.
“ACCIONA brings significant experience and capability. We are looking forward to working closely to progress the detailed design, planning and approvals needed to prepare this project for delivery,” he said.
ACCIONA is a global sustainable infrastructure company based in Spain, operating in more than 60 countries. It has more than 20 years of experience delivering major infrastructure projects in Australia, including energy developments.
ACCIONA chief executive infrastructure Australia and New Zealand Peter Regan said the company was pleased to be involved in Victoria’s offshore wind development.
“ACCIONA is pleased to be working with the Victorian Government, which is leading the way in the development of offshore wind in Australia,” Mr Regan said.
“We’re excited to bring all of our experience in delivering complex energy and infrastructure projects to Gippsland to support the first offshore wind development in Australia.”
The appointment follows a competitive tender process that began in 2024, with potential partners required to demonstrate how they would work with landholders, Traditional Owners and local communities throughout the project.
VicGrid will remain closely involved during the development phase, overseeing progress on the Environment Effects Statement (EES), planning and statutory approvals, and community engagement.
Mr Parker said maintaining relationships with local landholders and communities would remain a priority as ACCIONA became more involved.
“We know how important it is for landholders and communities to have continuity as the project progresses. VicGrid will remain closely involved, with our regional team continuing to work with local communities as ACCIONA becomes more involved,” he said.
Following an initial onboarding period, ACCIONA will progressively assume its agreed responsibilities, including identifying critical equipment and supporting environmental, cultural heritage and other statutory approval processes.
At the end of the development phase, ACCIONA will submit a final project offer to VicGrid for construction of the transmission line.
The project remains subject to environmental, planning and other statutory approvals, with completion expected in 2031.
