Image courtesy Marinus Link
Marinus Link, the proposed undersea and underground electricity and data interconnector between North West Tasmania and the Latrobe Valley in Victoria, Australia, has received a final investment decision (FID) for proceeding with the construction phase of Marinus Link Stage 1.
Marinus Link Pty Ltd (MLPL) announced its shareholders made the decision to proceed, saying it confirms a sound financial and economic investment case, based on an assessment of forecast costs, revenue, associated benefits, and risks.
The Marinus Link project includes high voltage direct current (HVDC) cables, fibre optic cables, a communications station, and converter stations at each end.
The project’s cables span 345km, including 255km of undersea cables across Bass Strait and 90km of underground cables in Gippsland, Victoria.
Marinus Link’s 1500MW capacity is equal to the power supply for 1.5 million Australian homes and approximately three times the capacity of the existing Tasmania to Victoria interconnector, Basslink.
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Commenting in a release was MLPL CEO Stephanie McGregor: “The coming together of three jurisdictions demonstrates Marinus Link’s truly national significance and benefit across the National Electricity Market, as well as directly to communities in Tasmania and Victoria.
“Everyone who has worked on Marinus Link from conception to now deserves credit for this historic achievement and should be incredibly proud. Your conviction will change the course of a nation.”
“We will continue to engage regularly with the communities and landholders along the project alignment before construction commences, which is planned for 2026.”
Marinus Link is expected to provide substantial consumer benefits resulting from reductions to wholesale electricity prices across the National Electricity Market.
Construction is expected to commence in 2026, subject to final environmental and regulatory approvals. Stage 1 is scheduled for completion by 2030.
MLPL is jointly owned by the Commonwealth of Australia, the State of Tasmania and the State of Victoria, and is responsible for progressing the Marinus Link interconnector project.
