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About the project
The Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) is a proposed new overhead transmission line that will support the development of new renewable energy generation and maintain energy reliability and security.
VNI West will enable the connection for new forms of electricity generation across Victoria's north-west.
It will also give Victoria access to generation and storage in New South Wales. This will support our transition to renewables and ensure reliable electricity supply when demand is high, like on very hot days.
It will also allow Victorian renewable generators to sell more of their power to consumers in New South Wales when it is not needed in Victoria.
The Victorian section of the project is approximately 240 km long and runs from Bulgana in Victoria's west to a proposed new terminal station site at Tragowel in the north, before connecting with the NSW section at the Murray River north of Kerang.
Project status
The need for VNI West was identified by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). They carried out a Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T) to assess the technical and economic viability of the project, which was completed in 2023.
AEMO then undertook an analysis of social, environmental, cultural, technical and economic factors to identify an area of interest for the project.
The initial Area of Interest was refined to a draft corridor and now project easement, following feedback from landholders, community members, Traditional Owners, government agencies and stakeholders.
An Environment Effects Statement (EES) is now being prepared for the project. An EES is Victoria’s most rigorous assessment of the environmental impacts of a project. It considers physical, biological, heritage, cultural, social, health, safety and economic issues.
Once the EES is completed it will be exhibited and open for public submissions. Find out more about the EES process and how to get involved on the Transmission Company Victoria website.
Who is delivering VNI West?
The Victorian section of VNI West is currently being delivered by Transmission Company Victoria (TCV), which was formed as a subsidiary of AEMO and has now transferred to VicGrid.
A process is underway to select a development partner to work with TCV to develop VNI West, assist with the completion of early works, and eventually build, own and operate the infrastructure.
VicGrid has now taken up responsibility for the Victorian network planning functions previously carried out by AEMO, meaning it will have the same oversight role of TCV that AEMO previously had.
The New South Wales section of VNI West is being delivered by Transgrid, the operator of the transmission networks in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
NEVA orders
The Victorian Government has issued National Electricity (Victoria) Act 2005 (NEVA) orders to allow AEMO to progress key transmission projects, and for VicGrid to assist in their delivery.
What is a NEVA order?
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.
These orders have enabled AEMO to carry out more community engagement on VNI West and to consider social, environmental and land use factors, as it has worked to identify a preferred easement.
Page last updated: 29/10/25
