Renewables
VicGrid appoints ACCIONA for Gippsland transmission link
VicGrid has chosen ACCIONA to develop the transmission infrastructure linking offshore wind generation to Victoria's electricity network.
Key points
- ACCIONA will handle financing, design, construction, and operation of the transmission link.
- The 500kV overhead line will connect up to 2GW of offshore wind capacity to the grid.
- Project completion is targeted for 2031, pending regulatory and environmental clearances.
What happened
According to Power Technology, VicGrid has picked ACCIONA to serve as the development partner for the Gippsland offshore wind transmission initiative. Following a competitive procurement process initiated in 2024, the Spanish infrastructure firm secured the mandate to build the grid connection that will integrate upcoming offshore generation capacity into Victoria's electricity network.
Project scope and timeline
The agreement covers the full lifecycle of the transmission asset, including financing, engineering, construction, and ongoing maintenance. The proposed route will utilise 500kV double-circuit overhead lines stretching from the Loy Yang Power Station switchyard to a new terminal station planned near Giffard. Power Technology reported that the infrastructure is designed to handle up to 2GW of electricity produced off the Gippsland coast.
What comes next
During the initial development phase, ACCIONA will collaborate with VicGrid on engineering designs, procurement, and environmental planning documentation. Subject to receiving the required statutory and environmental permits, construction is scheduled for completion by 2031. Peter Regan, CEO of ACCIONA Infrastructure Australia and New Zealand, stated that the company is proud to support the regional transition to cleaner energy through its integrated business model.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Renewables are the fastest-growing part of the world’s energy system. The COP28 goal is to triple capacity by 2030, and solar mini-grids are the fastest route to power for millions of people without electricity.
26.7% of electricity in Australia was renewable in 2021Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
