The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has commenced the Invitation to Tender (ITT) phase to secure a development partner for the Victorian section of the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) project.
This critical infrastructure will connect the electricity networks of both states, supporting renewable energy integration and ensuring grid reliability.
According to AEMO, this follows a rigorous registration of interest (ROI) process that shortlisted eligible organisations to participate in the ITT.
During the ROI phase, prospective tenderers engaged with Traditional Owners, stakeholders, and community representatives, gaining valuable insights into local expectations and perspectives.
The ITT phase aims to identify the most suitable development partner to collaborate with AEMO and the Victorian Government’s Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) to successfully deliver the high-capacity 500 kilovolts transmission line.
VNI West will link New South Wales and Victoria, connecting to the Western Renewables Link through a new terminal station near Bulgana.
The Victorian Government recently issued a NEVA Order authorising AEMO to advance work undertaken by TCV and formally release the ITT.
This milestone positions AEMO, as Victoria’s transmission planner, to progress the critical infrastructure project.
The project is expected to move into its delivery phase in 2026, with significant planning, early works, and community engagement activities to continue in the interim.
AEMO anticipates announcing the selected development partner in early 2025.
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