The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) announced on 2 December 2022 that it is investigating options to connect the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West project (VNI West) to the Western Renewables Link (WRL) at a location further west than the WRL project’s proposed terminal station north of Ballarat.
During engagement for WRL, AusNet Services received significant feedback from communities and stakeholders regarding concerns about the proposed terminal station north of Ballarat. We have recently been advised that AEMO has also received similar feedback as part of its VNI West transmission Project Assessment Draft Report consultation.
As a result of AEMO’s recent announcement regarding the VNI West project, AusNet will further investigate the proposed terminal station location, including sites in the Bulgana and Waubra/Lexton areas.
While no decision has been made, if AEMO decides to change the location of the proposed terminal station for WRL, the route in its majority will remain where its currently proposed with a deviation in the Waubra/Lexton areas.
We have prioritised reaching out to landholders between Mount Prospect and Bulgana, who may potentially host infrastructure, and those surrounding landholders who may potentially be impacted by any changes.
If you are in these areas and would like to know more, please email info@westernrenewableslink.com.au or call 1300 360 795.
As part of the Environment Effects Statement (EES) process, AusNet is investigating project alternatives and evaluating the impact that any proposal to relocate the proposed terminal station will have on the WRL project.
At this stage, the WRL EES will be submitted to the Victorian Government in early 2023. However, if AEMO decides to connect VNI West to a WRL terminal station in a different location, the submission of the WRL EES may be further delayed.
AusNet is working with AEMO to investigate alternative locations for the VNI West connection. AEMO has commissioned AusNet to design and build the Western Renewables Link. As the VNI West project is not an AusNet Services project, please send detailed questions about the VNI West project directly to AEMO via 1800 845 044 or VNIWestRITT@aemo.com.au.
About the project
The Western Renewables Link is a proposed electricity transmission line that will carry renewable energy from western Victoria to homes across the state and into the National Electricity Market.
The project is critical infrastructure required to unlock the renewable energy potential of western Victoria as a key Renewable Energy Zone and will help to deliver clean and affordable energy to Victorians.
Once complete, the additional transmission line capacity will carry enough energy to power more than 500,000 homes.
Project updates
To register for regular updates about the project, please visit www.westernrenewableslink.com.au.
If you have any questions, please call 1300 360 795 or email info@westernrenewableslink.com.au.