VicGrid has selected Iberdrola Australia to be its development partner for the Victorian section of the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) project.
VicGrid is pleased to announce Iberdrola Australia has been selected as the development partner for the Victorian section of the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) project, marking a step forward in delivering one of the state’s most significant transmission projects.
VNI West is a planned 500 kilovolt (kV) double-circuit transmission line that will link Victoria’s Western Renewables Link with Project EnergyConnect in New South Wales.
Once complete, VNI West will help maintain grid reliability, enable the connection of more renewable energy, and support the state’s energy transition as coal-fired generation retires.
Reflecting the importance of regional engagement, the tender process required proponents to demonstrate how they would work collaboratively with landholders, Traditional Owners and communities throughout the project’s delivery.
During the development phase, VicGrid will lead VNI West’s development with Iberdrola supporting activities such as project design, procurement, planning approvals, the Environment Effects Statement (EES) process and engagement.
If Iberdrola meet VicGrid’s expectations through the development phase, they will then be appointed to build, own and operate the project with strict oversight from VicGrid. As the project progresses, Iberdrola’s presence on the ground will increase.
VicGrid CEO, Alistair Parker said the partnership would help to promote the importance of community and responsibility during development of the project.
“The appointment of Iberdrola as the development partner for VNI West provides confidence that this critical project will continue to progress with the right expertise and focus, maintaining grid reliability and delivering genuine benefits for regional communities,” he said.
VicGrid assumed responsibility for VNI West from the Australian Energy Market Operator.
As part of the transfer of responsibility, Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) staff and contracts have been transferred to VicGrid.