One of the country’s major transmission projects, VNI West, will be delayed by two years to allow time for landholder engagement and more detailed assessments.
VNI West is a new transmission line between Victoria and New South Wales that will harness clean electricity from Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) in both states and maintain the reliability and security of electricity supply as ageing coal-fired power stations retire.
Related article: Community consultation leads to route change for VNI West
Transmission Company Victoria, set up by AEMO to oversee the project, announced the completion date for the $3.3 billion VNI West project had been pushed back from 2028 to late 2030.
TCV spokesperson Claire Cass said the updated timeline reflected revised planning, design and construction assumptions for one of Victoria’s most significant energy infrastructure projects.
“The new construction completion target allows more time for detailed environmental, geotechnical and cultural assessments, along with more meaningful landholder engagement on access and easement arrangements,” Cass said.
“We know this updated timeline may be frustrating, but we’re committed to working with landholders respectfully and providing the support they need to consider what is best for them, their properties, and farming or business operations.
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“While the timeline has shifted, the critical purpose of VNI West remains the same—to deliver the infrastructure needed to keep Victoria’s lights on, and help put downward pressure on electricity prices,” she said.
The delay marks another bump in the road for the transmission project, which has faced backlash from nearby landholders and criticism from the Victorian Energy Policy Centre.
