Victoria’s renewable energy transition in the state’s southwest has progressed with the completion of the Mortlake Turn-In project. This significant transmission upgrade is designed to strengthen the grid, unlock new renewable generation, and deliver lasting benefits for regional communities.
Located northeast of Warrnambool, the project connects a second 500 kilovolt transmission line into the Mortlake Terminal Station, improving network stability and increasing the region’s ability to export clean energy.
The upgrade is expected to boost generation capacity by up to 1.5 gigawatts (GW) – enough electricity to power around 800,000 homes. This will create a corridor for renewable energy flowing from Victoria’s southwest to homes and businesses across the state.
Alistair Parker, Chief Executive at VicGrid, sees the Mortlake project as key part of the Victorian Government’s $480 million investment in 12 grid-strengthening projects statewide, which aim to modernise the electricity network and support the rapid growth of renewable energy.
“Mortlake is a great example of how we’re working with industry to deliver the infrastructure we need for renewable energy, while creating jobs and economic benefits for regional communities,” he said.
The project was delivered by AusNet Services in partnership with Consolidated Power Projects Australia, working closely with the Victorian Government and VicGrid. Importantly, it was subject to Victorian Government social procurement requirements, ensuring the project delivered not only value for money, but also meaningful social and economic outcomes for local communities.
Ms Juinn Tao, AusNet Market Development Manager at AusNet, is proud to have delivered the project in collaboration with local stakeholders and communities.
“AusNet has exceeded its social procurement commitments, creating pathways for women, young people and apprentices to participate in Victoria’s renewable energy transition and supporting First Peoples businesses and social enterprises,” she said.
These commitments translated into tangible results on the ground, with 23 women employed in key roles across project management, construction and design, while ten apprentices gained hands-on experience building critical energy infrastructure.
AusNet also partnered with First Peoples businesses to deliver key components of the project, strengthening local capability and long-term economic participation.
The Mortlake upgrade sits alongside a broader suite of Victorian Government investments in transmission line upgrades, utility-scale battery storage, and advanced grid-strength technologies such as synchronous condensers.
Synchronous condensers are large rotating machines that help stabilise the system as more variable renewable energy comes online.
Together, these projects are set to supply 23 GW of clean energy, enough to meet around 16 per cent of Victoria’s annual electricity needs. All while supporting local jobs and skills development.
For more information on VicGrid’s transmission projects underway across the state, click here.