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Why market engagement matters

Victoria is undergoing a once-in-a-generation energy transformation. As Victoria's ageing coal-fired power stations become increasingly unreliable and close down, and as demand for electricity grows, we need to build new transmission infrastructure to connect renewable energy sources to homes and businesses across the state.

VicGrid is leading this transformation. We are planning and coordinating a significant pipeline of transmission projects to modernise the grid and unlock Victoria's renewable energy zones. To do this, we need strong partnerships with industry, investors and developers.

VicGrid's approach to market engagement

We are committed to early, transparent and sustained engagement with the market. Our goal is to build a capable, confident and collaborative delivery ecosystem that can meet the scale and pace of Victoria's energy transition.

We are engaging with industry through:

  • Consultation on the Victorian Transmission Plan: a roadmap for transmission development.
  • Industry forums and briefings: We regularly host events with senior leaders, technical experts and suppliers to share updates, align on delivery expectations and foster collaboration across the transmission sector.
  • Targeted workshops and engagement: Supporting supply chain mobilisation and capability uplift.
  • Collaborative procurement models: Fair risk-sharing and active management to drive sustainable project performance.

What we're looking for

VicGrid is seeking partners who can help deliver, construct, operate and finance transmission infrastructure projects. We are particularly interested in:

  • innovative delivery models
  • local supply chain development
  • capability building and workforce training
  • sustainable and socially responsible approaches.

We are also working to improve certainty for investors through reforms like the Victorian Access Regime to better coordinate how generators connect to the network and reduce community and environmental impacts.

Connecting suppliers through the Industry Capability Network (ICN)

We have launched a dedicated page on the Industry Capability Network (ICN) Gateway. This portal provides a direct channel for Victorian suppliers and manufacturers to register their capabilities and express interest in upcoming transmission infrastructure opportunities.

This initiative is a key part of our strategy to ensure future development partners have immediate visibility of local suppliers from the outset. It gives businesses the chance to engage early and prepare for upcoming work packages. Visit the VicGrid ICN Gateway page to register.

Our procurement approach

For all major transmission projects we deliver, we’re committed to a procurement approach that prioritises local economic opportunities. This means our development partners:

  • must outline how they'll prioritise regional suppliers and workforce development through local industry development plans
  • are required to actively identify and engage local capability, including structuring work packages that are appropriately scaled for regional businesses.

This approach balances value for money with clear, measurable commitments to local content and job creation.

Understanding the procurement pathway

Our role is to procure a development partner to deliver each project. That partner will be responsible for detailed design, construction, and engagement of downstream suppliers and subcontractors.

If you are a supplier, you won't be contracting directly with us, but we'll remain actively involved throughout the process. We'll work with our development partners to ensure their procurement strategies meet our expectations for local participation, content, and workforce growth.

Consultations

The Victorian Government is setting new rules to manage how renewable energy projects gain access to the state's transmission network.

The new approach, known as the Victorian Access Regime, aims to encourage development in renewable energy zones and give developers more confidence they can supply energy into the market.

We released 3 documents for public feedback from 23 September to 5 November 2025, setting out how access and connections are proposed to be managed inside and outside renewable energy zones. Learn more on Engage Victoria.

The Access and Connections Consultation Paper provides an overview of the new arrangements, including how we propose to:

  • set access limits on how much renewable energy generation can be allocated to connect to the network within a renewable energy zone
  • allocate access to projects within that limit
  • set requirements for how projects engage with communities and landholders
  • set requirements for how projects deliver meaningful benefits.

The draft Grid Impact Assessment Guidelines set details of the assessment that will apply to projects outside renewable energy zones, including the criteria and the application process. Projects inside renewable energy zones that are not using eligible technologies will also be subject to the Grid Impact Assessment.

The Community Engagement and Social Value Guidelines for Renewable Energy and Transmission Projects has been developed by VicGrid and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. Renewable energy project developers seeking access to the Victorian transmission network must first demonstrate how they will meet or exceed these standards. Companies bidding for the right to develop transmission projects will have to follow a similar process.

Stay involved

VicGrid is building a long-term, stable investment environment through its status as a state business corporation. We encourage all interested parties to:

Page last updated: 08/10/26