The Victorian Government has announced that early consultations on new transmission connections for the State’s first offshore wind farms have begun.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio stated that VicGrid had launched a public consultation in Gippsland and Portland on a coordinated approach to new transmission connections required for offshore wind.
“Victoria will be the home of Australia’s first offshore wind farms — we’re working on new transmission connections to ensure all Victorian homes and businesses can access the benefits of this cheaper and cleaner energy source,” Minister D’Ambrosio said.
The State Government has set ambitious goals for offshore wind capacity of at least 2 gigawatts (GW) by 2032, 4GW by 2035, and 9GW by 2040 – the equivalent of six Yallourn coal-fired power stations. The industry is predicted to produce over 6,000 jobs and billions of dollars in investment.
According to the State Government, to guarantee Victoria has enough new capacity to power the State as existing coal-fired generators retire. The Government highlighted the need for additional connections to bring this renewable energy to homes and businesses across the State.
VicGrid will guarantee that additional transmission is available in time to serve Victoria’s first offshore wind farms, that planning is coordinated to avoid a “spaghetti effect” of several lines crisscrossing the landscape, and that energy costs for consumers and businesses are kept to a minimum.
VicGrid will lead four phases of structured, respectful, and continuing public engagement to provide information and ensure that local values and concerns are actively incorporated in building the new transmission.
VicGrid has created a Development and Engagement Roadmap 2023. This will provide information on VicGrid’s function and development approach, elicit feedback on the approach, and establish continuing consultation and coordination mechanisms.
The plan’s first phase will immediately kick off with direct, place-based engagement with Traditional Owners, communities, and stakeholders. Only after this information-sharing procedure would VicGrid begin building preferred route possibilities, which will be informed by feedback gathered during Phase One.
“We want to make sure local communities and stakeholders have a real voice in planning this crucial infrastructure so that it can benefit all Victorians,” Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said.
Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora commented, “We’re keen to hear from the Portland community on how we can deliver these new connections — the benefits of cheaper renewable energy through wind.”
