Marinus Link construction begins to connect Tasmania and Victoria

Construction has officially commenced on the Marinus Link project and the North West Transmission Developments (NWTD) in Tasmania and Victoria. A ceremonial sod-turning event was attended by government and industry leaders, including Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, to mark the start of the energy infrastructure works.

Marinus Link will consist of a 345-kilometre subsea cable featuring high voltage direct current (HVDC) technology, fibre optics, and converter stations. The project is designed as a two-way interconnector to improve the flexibility and reliability of the National Electricity Market by allowing electricity to flow between Tasmania and the Australian mainland. This connection aims to facilitate the export of Tasmanian pumped hydro and the import of solar and wind energy.

While the project was scaled back in 2023 from two cables to a single 750 MW cable, it remains a significant component of Australia’s energy transition. The project has faced controversy regarding costs, benefits, and the environmental impact of necessary transmission lines. Stage One of the NWTD, covering 130km, is expected to be in service by 2030.