Expressions of Interest called for Infrastructure for offshore Wind Energy

MINISTER for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio has called for 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. 

The Labor Government said that they will make 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.