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About the project
Offshore wind will play a major role in Victoria’s energy transition - and Gippsland has some of the best wind resources in the world.
VicGrid is developing the shared transmission line to connect 2 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy to the grid. The line will use 500 kilovolt (kV) double circuit overhead transmission technology, starting near Giffard and connecting to the Loy Yang Power Station switchyard.
Renewable energy transition video
Project status
Refining the study area to a corridor and draft preferred route
We've narrowed the broad study area down to a corridor and a draft preferred route – smaller areas that are most suitable for the transmission line.
This has involved:
- environmental and technical studies
- aerial surveys, biodiversity and habitat mapping
- feedback from landholders, Traditional Owners, technical experts and local communities and stakeholders.
View the interactive map of the transmission corridor and draft preferred route.
VicGrid is also preparing an Environment Effects Statement (EES) to assess potential environmental, social, cultural and economic impacts. See Planning and environment for more information.
Project activity
Current project activities provided by VicGrid regarding offshore wind transmission.
How offshore wind connects to the grid
Cables from offshore wind farms will be laid on the sea floor and brought onshore at selected locations. Once on land, the cables will run underground to a proposed terminal station in Giffard. VicGrid will coordinate onshore infrastructure to reduce coastal impacts.
Who will deliver the transmission line?
VicGrid is running a competitive two-stage tender process to select a development partner to:
- design, build, finance, operate and maintain the transmission line and connection hub
- work closely with landholders, Traditional Owners and local communities
- deliver value for money for Victorian energy users.
After strong interest during the expression of interest phase, three consortia have been shortlisted. These consortia are now participating in the invitation to tender phase.
A development partner is expected to be appointed in 2026.
Our work so far
- In April 2023, we published the offshore wind transmission development and engagement roadmap, outlining next steps in planning new offshore wind transmission.
- In mid 2023, we used community feedback to refine the options assessment method, the decision-making tool we have used to inform our selection of the study area.
- In March 2024, we shared the study area and connection hub area. In response to feedback, the study area avoids major townships and includes a lower proportion of agricultural and private land than most other options, to minimise the impacts on smaller private landholders and farmers.
- In December 2024, we further refined the study area and ruled out certain locations, including Holey Plains State Park and areas near the Loy Yang Power Station.
Next steps
2025
- Continue EES technical assessments
2026 – 2027
- Identify a preferred route
- Exhibit the EES for public review
- Appoint a development partner
- Identify a transmission easement
- Planning and environmental approvals
- Commence early works
2027 – 2030
- Major construction and commissioning.
Page last updated: 30/10/25
