The Western Renewables Link is a proposed electricity transmission line, from Bulgana in western Victoria to Sydenham in Melbourne’s north-west.

About the project

Project overview

The proposed Western Renewables Link will deliver the critical infrastructure needed to unlock the potential of western Victoria as a key Renewable Energy Zone and help deliver clean and affordable energy to all Victorians.

Our electricity network was originally built to carry energy generated from brown coal in the Latrobe Valley to the rest of the state. As we move from coal-generated electricity to sustainable green power, this critical upgrade of the transmission network will help keep the lights on and energy prices down.

Playing a key role in energy supply availability

A new transmission line is needed to deliver renewable energy from wind and solar farms in western Victoria, to homes and businesses across the state and into the National Electricity Market. The Western Renewables Link will reduce congestion on the existing transmission network and help unlock significant amounts of clean electricity for Victorians.

The project will involve major economic investment in western Victoria. Many local goods, services and contractors are expected to be used throughout construction, and it is estimated to generate up to 700 full-time construction jobs. More than 1,000 indirect jobs are also expected to be created through building the project.

AusNet, contracted by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), is developing and delivering the 190 km Western Renewables Link.

A new 500 kV transmission line connecting wind and solar energy generators in western Victoria to the grid.

Running from Bulgana in Western Victoria to Sydenham in Melbourne's north-west.

The project will help power up to one million homes and support Victoria's transition to cleaner, more reliable energy.

Who is delivering the project?

The Western Renewables Link is being delivered by AusNet, who own and operate over 6,600 kilometres of transmission lines across Victoria. For more information, visit the AusNet website.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) selected AusNet to deliver the project following a competitive tender process in December 2019. AEMO is responsible for planning and overseeing the development of the national energy system.

The Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T) process shaped the project’s scope.

AusNet will develop, deliver, operate and maintain the new infrastructure.

Route selection

We identified the proposed route based on a range of technical investigations, landholder, community and stakeholder input, and constructability and technical aspects.

We continue to listen and respond to input from landholders and the community about the proposed transmission line, location of individual towers, access tracks and other infrastructure.

As part of the Environment Effects Statement process, we are also investigating feasible alternative designs, alignments and other aspects within the scoping requirements to avoid and minimise adverse environmental effects, including:

alternative corridors and routes
location of infrastructure, such as terminal stations
designs, including overhead and underground infrastructure
other options for the planning, construction or operation of the project.

Discover more about the project

Any questions?

If your property is within the proposed route, your dedicated Land Liaison Officer will be your main point of contact.

If you need contact details for your Land Liaison Officer, or have a property close to the proposed route and have any questions or concerns, please contact our Community Engagement Team:

Call: 1800 WRL WRL (975 975)
Email: info@westernrenewableslink.com.au.

All community members can contact us and provide feedback on the project via the details above. To stay informed, register for project updates on our Contact Us page.

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