Strong industry response to offshore wind transmission

VicGrid today marked a significant milestone in the delivery of the transmission infrastructure to

support offshore wind energy, selecting three consortia from a strong field of companies vying to

partner on the delivery of the project.

VicGrid, the Victorian Government body leading the planning and delivery of renewable energy

zones and transmission infrastructure, has been consulting with landholders and the Gippsland

community on the development of transmission to connect the first 2 gigawatts (GW) of offshore

wind generation to the grid.

The line will use 500 kilovolt (kV) double circuit overhead transmission technology, starting near

Giffard and connecting to the Loy Yang Power Station switchyard.

The three consortia named below will be invited to submit tenders to design, deliver, finance and

operate the transmission infrastructure to support the first 2 GW of offshore wind generation:

• Gippsland Coast Connect – led by Iberdrola Australia Enterprises Pty Ltd as Transmission

Network Service Provider (TNSP) and funding and services contractor, Capella Capital Pty

Ltd as funding provider and John Holland Pty Ltd for design and construction;

• Genesis Partnerships – led by AusNet Transmission Group Ptd Ltd as TNSP and also led

and funded by Pacific Partnerships comprising PB Contractors Pty Ltd, UGL Engineering

Pty Ltd and UGL Operations and Maintenance Pty Ltd for design, construction and

services;

• Acciona – led by Acciona as TNSP and Acciona Concessiones S.L. as funding provider,

Acciona Construction Pty Ltd for design and construction and Genus Infrastructure (NSW)

Pty Ltd as services contractors.

VicGrid Chief Executive Alistair Parker said there had been a strong market response to VicGrid’s

request for expressions of interest in the project and thanked all of the parties who had

participated.

“Victoria is attracting investment and commitment from top global energy companies as we work

to deliver the infrastructure needed to support Australia’s first offshore wind industry,” he said.

“The development of this infrastructure will not only enable a clean and reliable new energy

source, it will help create a new industry that will deliver jobs and benefits for the Gippsland

community.”

Through the competitive tender process, proponents will be required to outline their approach to

delivering the best possible outcomes for Gippsland and driving value for all Victorian energy

users.

Mr Parker said this will include setting out how they will work with landholders, provide additional

benefits to host communities and ensure genuine and early engagement with communities,

Traditional Owners and regional stakeholders.

“VicGrid is committed to meaningful engagement with local landholders and communities and to

making sure they see real benefits, so we are looking for a delivery partner that shares that

commitment,” he said.

An Environment Effects Statement process is currently underway for the offshore wind

transmission project, as landholder engagement continues to help refine the study area for the

project.

A development partner is expected to be appointed in 2026, with early works to begin shortly after.