Second line proposed in Vic Grid draft plan
VicGrid has released a draft of the first Victorian Transmission Plan.
The draft plan sets out how much more wind and solar energy Victoria is expected to need over the next 15 years.
It includes information about draft proposed renewable energy zones, a draft proposed Gippsland Shoreline Renewable Energy Zone and proposed transmission projects.
Once finalised, the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan will outline where and when energy infrastructure needs to be built, to give certainty to communities and clear signals to the energy industry on where to invest.
For our Gippsland area:
Eastern Victoria reinforcement program
A suite of network augmentations and upgrades of existing infrastructure, as well as an additional line between Hazelwood and Yallourn.
To meet increased demand in eastern metropolitan Melbourne, respond to shifting supply from the east of Victoria to the west of Victoria and ensure connection and security of supply from the Gippsland and Central North draft proposed renewable energy zones and the Gippsland offshore wind area. Time line 2028 – 2029
Gippsland offshore wind transmission stage 2 program
A new transmission loop to support offshore wind.
Building on the first Gippsland offshore wind transmission project, this new program is required to connect additional offshore wind generation in the Gippsland offshore wind area to meet Victoria’s 2035 and 2040 offshore wind targets. Time line 2033 – 2038
Latrobe Valley strengthening program
New power flow controllers and dynamic load rating devices in the Latrobe Valley.
To allow for easier integration of wind and solar into the grid, manage significant power flows and address network congestion. It supports connection and transfer of generation from the Gippsland draft proposed renewable energy zone and Gippsland offshore wind area. Time Line 2034 – 2035
NEXT steps for the draft proposed Gippsland Shoreline Renewable Energy Zone
Vic Grid are inviting feedback on the draft proposed Gippsland Shoreline Renewable Energy Zone as part of consultation on the draft Victorian Transmission Plan (VTP).
After the final 2025 VTP is released, the Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources can consider whether to proceed with formal declaration of the proposed shoreline renewable energy zone.
The declaration process will include opportunity for further consultation.
VicGrid will soon consult on a draft renewable energy zone access scheme for offshore wind developers.
It is important to note that – unlike for other renewable energy zones – this access scheme will apply only to offshore generation, and new onshore generation projects located within the boundaries of the shoreline renewable energy zone will still be subject to the Grid Impact Assessment that applies elsewhere in Victoria.
Communities impacted by the renewable energy zone on Gippsland’s shoreline will receive new dedicated benefits, similar to the approach for onshore renewable energy zones. These benefits will be in addition to any discretionary benefits paid by offshore wind developers.
Through the 2025 VTP, the aim is to :
• Provide greater certainty for communities and industry about when and where new renewable generation and transmission infrastructure will be developed.
• Give First Peoples, landholders, communities and industry a voice throughout the planning process and incorporate a range of perspectives into REZ and transmission planning.
• Provide transparency about the methodology we have used to prepare the plan.
