Victoria’s offshore wind industry is a step closer, with VicGrid selecting infrastructure company ACCIONA as the preferred development partner for the Gippsland offshore wind 2GW transmission project.
ACCIONA will work with VicGrid to develop the shared transmission infrastructure needed to connect 2GW of offshore wind energy generated off the Gippsland coast to Victoria’s electricity network—enough to power 1.5 million homes.
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The appointment is another important milestone for the project, following the identification of a preferred route for the transmission line between the Loy Yang Power Station switchyard and a proposed new terminal station near Giffard.
ACCIONA will work alongside VicGrid on design development, procurement, and project management to help prepare the project for delivery. At the end of the development phase, ACCIONA will submit a final project offer to VicGrid for construction of the transmission line.
The project includes a major new overhead transmission line from near Giffard to the Loy Yang switchyard and will help maintain a reliable electricity supply as Victoria’s coal-fired power stations close and new sources of generation connect to the grid.
VicGrid will remain closely involved throughout the development phase, working alongside ACCIONA to progress project design, the Environment Effects Statement (EES), planning and approvals, and engagement with landholders, Traditional Owners and communities.
Following an initial onboarding period, ACCIONA will progressively take on its agreed responsibilities, supporting VicGrid with design development, procurement and project management, including identifying critical equipment and preparing the project for delivery.
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ACCIONA will also support VicGrid with planning, environmental, cultural heritage, and other statutory approvals.
The project remains subject to relevant environmental, planning, and other statutory approvals and is expected to be complete in 2031.
