Marinus Link

Release of maps for proposed Hampshire to Staverton route

TasNetworks has explored a number of potential corridors to host a new electricity transmission development between Hampshire and Staverton in…
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Connecting Australia to low cost & reliable energy

Marinus Link is a proposed 1500 megawatt capacity undersea electricity connection to link Tasmania and Victoria, as part of Australia’s future electricity grid.

The project, being undertaken by TasNetworks, is considering a new interconnector known as Marinus Link and its supporting transmission. Marinus Link will operate in addition to the existing privately-owned Basslink interconnector. The project has received $20 Million in funding support from the Tasmanian Government through TasNetworks and the Commonwealth Government through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
Initial findings supported the need to finalise the Business Case Assessment due December 2019. The Commonwealth Government has provided $56 million to progress the project into the Design and Approvals phase. The National Electricity Market is transforming as new energy generation infrastructure replaces ageing infrastructure. Marinus Link can help smooth this transition by providing access to a low-cost and reliable energy supply for customers.
What is Marinus Link?

1500 MW of increased transmission capacity between Tasmania and Victoria delivered in two concurrent or staged 750 MW developments

Infrastructure Australia high priority initiative

Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO’s) Insights paper (July 2019) calls for Marinus to be progressed through feasibility, business case and approvals phases as a matter of priority
Marinus is Latin for marine. It also means ‘of or connected to the sea’. In this way it captures the undersea nature of a Tasmania-Victoria interconnector.
What is an

interconnector?

An interconnector can run overland like the ‘Heywood’ interconnector between South Australia and Victoria or under large bodies of water like the ‘Basslink’ interconnector that runs across Bass Strait between Tasmania and Victoria. Undersea interconnection is common around the world.

Interconnection does and will increasingly play a major role to meet the needs of a future Australian power system. In Tasmania, increased transmission capacity from Marinus Link could unlock more low cost, reliable and clean energy.

An electricity interconnector is a connection between two different transmission networks that allows power to flow between multiple regions.
Why do we need it?

The National Electricity Market (NEM) is undergoing significant transition. Wind and solar development is increasing but is variable in nature which creates power system stability and reliability challenges. As more wind and solar comes into the market and replaces coal, it is critical that generation types (like hydroelectricity, pumped hydro storage and gas) are in place to support system stability and reliable supply to keep the lights on.

The benefit of further interconnection is that it enables energy from a diverse range of generation sources to move efficiently to where it is most needed in a safe, secure and affordable way.
What are the Market Benefits?

Unlocks renewable wind, solar and hydroelectric energy and storage

Increases supply security and firms renewables

Harnesses diversity of load and generation

Utilises modern, robust and flexible converter technology

Complements other interconnection

There are broader economic benefits including:

An estimated $1.5 billion of direct economic stimulus to the Victorian economy and 1,400 direct and indirect jobs during peak construction*

An estimated $1.4 billion of direct economic stimulus to the Tasmanian economy and 1,400 direct and indirect jobs during peak construction*

*Job figures are estimated for the period spanning 2025-27
The benefits of Marinus Link are clear
about us

TasNetworks is the Tasmanian jurisdictional planner in the National Electricity Market (NEM) and provides transmission and distribution electricity and telecommunications network services that deliver power to more than 280,000 households, businesses and organisations in Tasmania.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) works to accelerate Australia’s shift to an affordable and reliable renewable energy future.

Release of maps for proposed Hampshire to Staverton route

Release of maps for proposed Hampshire to Staverton route

Media Releases – TasNetworks shares BCA and PADR

Media Release – TasNetworks announces proposed new transmission route

Marinus Link