The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has closed the Registration of Interest (ROI) process to find a development/delivery partner for the Victorian component of the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West Project (VNI West).
AEMO received several high-quality ROI submissions and is currently reviewing all submissions as part of its process to appoint a Transmission Network Service Provider (TNSP), or party that will become a TNSP, as its Development Partner.
Eligible participants will be invited to progress to the Invitation to Tender (ITT) phase, with the ITT scheduled for release in the final quarter of 2024.
The contract for the Development Partner is expected to be awarded in early 2025.
The Development Partner is required to finance its activities during the development phase and, in collaboration with AEMO, will progressively build the VNI West consortium throughout 2025.
The initial focus of this joint effort will be the procurement of an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor, anticipated in the second quarter of 2025.
Following this, the Development Partner will appoint financiers in the second half of 2025 to support the project’s construction, presenting an opportunity for investors to collaborate with the selected TNSP.
AEMO will update the market ahead of the process for the appointment of each new consortium party.
Transmission Company Victoria Pty Ltd (TCV) will continue planning, early works and community, landholder and Traditional Owner engagement, as well as the Environment Effects Statement (EES) process over the next 12-18 months. The delivery phase of VNI West is set to commence in 2026. Operations and Maintenance contractors will be appointed during the delivery phase.
VNI West is a planned high-capacity 500 kV double-circuit overhead transmission line between NSW and Victoria, connecting to the Western Renewables Link through a new terminal station near Bulgana. The project will harness renewable energy in both states, maintaining the reliability and security of electricity supply as coal-fired power stations retire and energy demand continues to grow.
More information on VNI West and TCV is available at transmissionvictoria.com.au.