A word from our CEO, Caroline Wykamp
Our transition to renewable energy is here and the opportunity for our communities is real. Recent shifts across industry – including coal and forestry – highlight that projects like Marinus Link are critical to our regional prosperity. Our Gippsland team is deeply focussed on growing the awareness of Marinus Link and preparing our region for the opportunities it will create.
I am thrilled to share that the Australian and Tasmanian governments have made a new agreement to take the project forward. This agreement is a signal of confidence for the project, which will deliver significant environmental, economic and social benefits – Marinus Link is more than an interconnector – it’s an enabler.
I am also pleased to share that we have entered a capacity reservation agreement for a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable with Prysmian Powerlink. This agreement ensures production and offshore installation capacity for one cable of the Marinus Link project, a 750 megawatt (MW) cable system, with negotiations continuing for the second 750 MW phase. This follows a competitive and complex tender process in a high demand global market for HVDC cable systems; critical equipment for subsea electrical interconnectors.
Next steps include establishing the joint venture between the Australian, Tasmanian and Victorian governments. We will continue working on the global tender process for HVDC cables and converter stations as we approach the final investment decision in late 2024. This follows a competitive and complex tender process in a high demand global market for HVDC cable systems and critical equipment for subsea electrical interconnectors.
On behalf of the project team, I acknowledge the commitment of the Australian, Tasmanian and Victorian governments to progress this nationally important project, which will deliver clean, reliable renewable energy to Victorians.
You can read more about the agreement on our website under News: marinuslink.com.au/category/media-releases
A look back at our community drop-in information sessions
Throughout March and April, the Marinus Link team in Gippsland delivered eight drop-in information sessions and two webinars along the proposed route in Gippsland.
Drop-in sessions included two in Churchill, two in Sandy Point, and sessions in Fish Creek, Meeniyan, Dumbalk and Mirboo North.
At each of these sessions, our Gippsland team, supported by subject matter experts, answered questions from the community about the project timeline, future job opportunities, and our work towards the coordinated Environment Impact Statement (EIS) and Environment Effects Statement (EES). The EIS/EES identifies the project’s potential impacts on the environment and includes strategies and plans for reducing impacts during the design, construction and operation of Marinus Link.
Our team will be back out in the community in 2024 to provide further progress on our project. At this stage, community members will have another opportunity to provide their feedback as part of the environmental approvals process.
Collaborating with First Peoples
Collaborating with First Peoples in Gippsland has been continuing through our First Peoples Advisory Group. The Group includes Traditional Owners from the Boonwurrung Land and Sea Council, Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC). Our work with First Peoples extends in both Victoria and Tasmania, with Marinus Link Advisors continuing to build relationships and connections across both states.
Recently in Hazelwood, Traditional Owners from GLaWAC, Marinus Link staff and cultural heritage advisors met and participated in a ‘walk over’ for a new series of geotechnical activities along the proposed cable alignment.
Working towards a Community Benefits Sharing Scheme
We are committed to developing meaningful partnerships with communities and the business sector throughout the development of the project.
Over the coming months, we will commence consultation to co-design a Community Benefits Sharing Scheme ith stakeholders in Tasmania and Victoria.
Our recently launched Sustainability Framework identifies focus areas where Marinus Link can create a positive legacy and opportunities for communities, consumers, the environment, and the economy. It informs the types of partnerships that we will look to support through our Community Benefits Sharing Scheme.
Connections strengthened and showcased at Gippsland New Energy Conference
Members of our team strengthened connections, gained insights and shared knowledge at this year’s Gippsland New Energy Conference in Sale.
The team shared our approaches on meaningful First Peoples engagement, cultural assessment in the marine environment, energy storage and stability, and careers in renewable energy.
Presenters included Marinus Link First Peoples Engagement Advisor Peter Hood, a Kurnai man with a deep connection to Gippsland. Peter shared insights on how Marinus Link has prioritised meaningful collaboration with Traditional Owners across Gippsland, in particular, the role of the Marinus Link First Peoples Advisory Group.
“It’s important that First Peoples take the opportunity to sit at the table and have a say in how Marinus Link can positively impact our economic and social development,” Peter said.
The Gippsland New Energy Conference is Australia’s largest region-led renewable energy event, with over 500 participants in person and online.
The conference kicked off with the Gippy Youth New Energy Jobs Summit, which attracted over 400 school students from around Sale. Economic Development Manager Christina Young shared career tips with our future workforce as part of a Women in Renewable Energy panel.
At the conference, Marinus Link Chief Executive Caroline Wykamp presented on the critical role of Marinus Link and Tasmania’s pumped hydro developments for Australia’s energy storage and stability.
“Marinus Link enables the cheapest forms of energy being delivered to customers throughout the National Electricity Market (NEM). It opens up the sharing of solar, wind, hydro and storage, and, importantly, it opens the NEM up to access the immense storage capability Tasmania has to offer,” Caroline said.
The conference was organised by a local committee of renewable energy professionals, led by Darren McCubbin, Chief Executive Officer of the Gippsland Climate Change Network.
“We are grateful that Marinus Link supported the conference and shared knowledge which will impact outcomes in policy, and build leadership in renewable energy in Gippsland,” Darren said.
The Energy Charter – Evaluating Transmission Undergrounding
The Evaluating Transmission Undergrounding initiative aims to improve the experience of landholders and communities impacted by the development of new transmission infrastructure by collaborating with community representatives and stakeholders.
The Energy Charter is leading this initiative, alongside Transgrid, Powerlink Queensland, AusNet Services, TasNetworks, Marinus Link and the Australian Energy Market Operator, with support from ElectraNet.
To find out more or to register your interest in participating in this work, please go to: The Energy Charter website | Register your interest
Input into Industry Participation Plan
We have recently started developing our Industry Participation Plan, with the aim to engage with our business, education and government sectors in late 2023. The purpose of the Plan is to support the participation of local businesses in the supply chain, construction, operations and maintenance activities of Marinus Link.
The Plan will outline the requirements and expectations for involving relevant industries and stakeholders on the project. It will ensure that Marinus Link promotes local industry development, fosters job creation, and creates a positive economic and social impact within the local community.
The key areas of focus for the Plan are:
- Industry development
- Diverse and social suppliers
- First Peoples businesses
- Job creation and workforce development
- Reporting and compliance
Consultation for the development of the Industry Participation Plan will commence in September. Local businesses and industry stakeholders will be invited to participate and we will be sharing opportunities through our networks and various platforms. To lodge your interest in this important work, please contact team@marinuslink.com.au.
Answering your questions
What does the recent funding agreement mean to Marinus Link?
The project will focus on one cable in the first instance, with cable two negotiations to continue and be considered as part of final investment decision making, which is expected in late 2024.
The new agreement outlines that the Australian Government’s equity share in a joint venture equity increased to 49%, with Tasmania’s share now at 17.7% and Victoria at 33.3%.
While ensuring the timely delivery of cable one will be a priority, Marinus Link will continue to progress the environmental and regulatory approvals and works required for the project’s second stage.
Is the proposed cable alignment final?
Minor changes to the proposed route may be considered to avoid environmentally sensitive areas or areas of concern to landowners.
The decision about the proposed route was guided by a wide range of information gained through our projects design process. This included technical, environmental and social considerations, along with financial and commercial constraints. The proposed route was selected based on criteria that included:
- Constructability (including geology and topology)
- Project construction and operation costs
- Current and future land use
- Environmental impacts
- Community feedback
- Cultural heritage considerations
We are currently carrying out further environmental assessments and consulting with landowners. New information will inform decisions about the final route.