Sod turn marks next chapter for Australia’s economy and grid
Today, government, business and community leaders gathered in North West Tasmania for the Project Marinus sod-turning ceremony, marking all that has happened and all that is to come for Australia’s new electricity and data highway.
Following financial close and successive major milestones over the past year, Marinus Link and the North West Transmission Developments (NWTD) – collectively known as Project Marinus – are ramping up construction activities across Tasmania and Victoria.
Marinus Link Chair Sandra Gamble and TasNetworks Chair Roger Gill addressed attendees alongside Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff, Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh and Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan, reflecting on the day’s significance for both Project Marinus and Australia’s energy transition.
“As a two-way interconnector, Marinus Link will allow electricity to flow in either direction, improving flexibility, reliability and resilience across the National Electricity Market, getting the most out of hydropower, wind and solar resources, and bringing on new investment in industry and generation,” Ms Gamble said.
“Over the past year since Financial Close, Marinus Link has continued to hit milestone after major milestone, achieving critical approvals, mobilising our contractors, and importantly already delivering real benefit to communities in North West Tasmania and across Gippsland.”
“Already, some 119 businesses and suppliers have been engaged across Project Marinus – including 59 from North and North West Tasmania.”
TasNetworks Chair, Roger Gill, said Stage One of the North West Transmission Developments will cover 130 kilometres and is due in service by 2030.
“TasNetworks is building NWTD for Tasmanians and Australians who want the lowest possible future prices, strong climate action, clean energy careers, and more clean energy for Tasmania and Australia’s future,” Mr Gill said.
“After years of careful planning, design and preparation, it’s rewarding to see construction begin and this once-in-a-generation project start to take shape on the ground.”
Construction of the NWTD has started between Sheffield and Burnie, including access tracks, fencing, tower foundations and works at the Sheffield Substation.
On Marinus Link, cable and converter technology manufacturing and construction activities will continue to ramp up into next year, beginning at the Heybridge and Hazelwood North converter stations, the Sandy Point shore crossing, Mardan site compound, and locations along the 90km underground cable route in Gippsland.
