ACCIONA secures Gippsland offshore wind transmission partnership
VicGrid has selected ACCIONA to develop the transmission infrastructure for the 2GW Gippsland offshore wind project, a key step in Victoria's shift from coal to renewable energy.
ACCIONA has been selected by VicGrid as the development partner for the Gippsland offshore wind transmission project. The Spain-based sustainable infrastructure company will be responsible for the financing, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the link, which will connect up to 2GW of offshore wind energy to Victoria’s electricity grid.
The appointment follows the identification of a preferred route for the transmission line between the Loy Yang Power Station switchyard and a proposed new terminal station near Giffard. ACCIONA, which has operated in Australia for more than two decades, will progressively assume its agreed responsibilities following an initial onboarding period. This includes identifying critical equipment and preparing for delivery.
Peter Regan, CEO of ACCIONA Infrastructure Australia and New Zealand, stated the company was honoured to be selected. He said ACCIONA was proud to bring the strength of its integrated business model and its extensive experience in delivering complex energy projects to support Victoria’s transition to a cleaner and more resilient energy future. Collaboration is at the heart of everything the company does, Regan added, and it looks forward to working closely with partners and stakeholders to create lasting value for Gippsland.
Project Scope and Capacity
The Gippsland offshore wind transmission project will deliver shared transmission infrastructure to connect offshore wind farms to Victoria’s network. The infrastructure will support 2GW of capacity, which VicGrid estimates is sufficient to power approximately 1.5 million homes. The project includes a major new overhead transmission line from near Giffard to the Loy Yang switchyard, using 500kV double-circuit overhead transmission technology.
Development and Approval Process
ACCIONA will support VicGrid through the extensive development and approval phase. This collaboration will cover project design, the preparation of the Environment Effects Statement, and securing all necessary planning and statutory approvals. The company will also engage with affected communities, landholders, and Traditional Owners throughout project delivery. The selection criteria for the competitive tender, launched in 2024, specifically included requirements for this ongoing engagement.
VicGrid will remain closely involved throughout this development phase, overseeing progress on all fronts. The project remains subject to relevant environmental, planning, and other statutory approvals. Completion of the project is currently expected by 2031, subject to those approvals.
Strategic Importance for Victoria's Grid
The transmission link is a critical piece of infrastructure for Victoria's long-term energy security. It will help maintain a reliable electricity supply as the state’s coal-fired power stations close and new renewable sources of generation connect to the grid. The project marks a significant milestone in the development of Victoria's energy transmission network, directly supporting the state's renewable energy ambitions.
ACCIONA will work alongside VicGrid, government stakeholders, Traditional Owners, landholders, local communities, and industry partners. Upon conclusion of the development phase, ACCIONA will submit a final project offer to VicGrid for consideration before construction begins.
