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About the project
The Western Renewables Link (WRL) is a proposed new overhead transmission line that will support the development of renewable energy in Victoria's west.
It will deliver the essential energy infrastructure Victoria needs to keep the lights on as coal-fired power becomes increasingly unreliable and closes down.
WRL will run 190 km from Bulgana in Western Victoria to Sydenham in Melbourne's north-west and be capable of transporting over 3 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power more than a million homes.
You can view the interactive map of the project on the WRL website.
Why is WRL needed?
As coal retires, Victoria needs to secure affordable, reliable and secure electricity for the future.
WRL is crucial to supporting the transition to renewable energy by unlocking the renewable energy potential in Western Victoria by upgrading the network to hold and supply more energy into the state grid and reducing congestion on the existing transmission network.
The project will facilitate large-scale renewable energy generation into the energy grid, providing a reliable supply of power for households and businesses into the future, while supporting the state's transition to net-zero emissions.
Project status
WRL is currently in the planning and approvals stage, which is being led by AusNet Services.
This stage includes undertaking an Environment Effects Statement (EES) process to assess the project’s potential environmental impacts and how they are proposed to be avoided, mitigated and managed.
The EES is Victoria’s most rigorous environmental assessment process led by the Department of Transport and Planning and considers physical, biological, heritage, cultural, social, health, safety, and economic impacts.
The WRL EES was exhibited for public comment from 30 June to 25 August 2025, and an independent Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC) held a public hearing over 53 sitting days that gave submitters the opportunity to speak in support of their submission and for the IAC to assess the project’s environmental effects.
The Minister for Planning issued their assessment of the environmental effects of WRL under the Environment Effects Act 1978 on 14 September 2026, which found that the environmental impacts of WRL are, on balance, acceptable with implementation of the environmental management framework, environmental performance requirements and recommendations made by the Minister for Planning.
AusNet will work through these recommendations and seek the necessary approvals for the project to proceed.
The Minister’s assessment and more information about the EES process is available on the Department of Transport and Planning website.
Who is delivering WRL?
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) selected AusNet Services to deliver WRL after a competitive tender process in 2019.
Acciona Construction and Genus Infrastructure (AGJV) was awarded the contract to build WRL by AusNet in December 2025.
AusNet remains responsible for the detailed design, approvals process, construction and operation of the project.
NEVA orders
The Victorian Government issued National Electricity (Victoria) Act 2005 (NEVA) orders to allow AEMO to progress key transmission projects, and for VicGrid to assist in their delivery.
A NEVA order provides the Victorian Minister powers in relation to electricity transmission and grid planning in Victoria, directing or enabling actions to expedite projects within Victoria's transmission network.
More information
To learn more about the project and register for email updates, visit the Western Renewables Link project website.
Page last updated: 21/09/26
