Project Overview
VNI West is a project to build a new transmission line between Victoria and New South Wales.
It will harness clean electricity from Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) in both states and maintain the reliability and security of electricity supply as ageing coal-fired power stations retire.
In Victoria, a Project Easement of 70m wide along most of the route has been identified.
The corridor runs from Bulgana to near Kerang and then across the border into New South Wales.
Overview of the VNI West project
Why does Victoria need new transmission?
VNI West will harness renewable electricity from energy zones in both Victoria and New South Wales and maintain the reliability and security of electricity supply. VNI West is needed because Australia’s ageing coal-fired generators are exiting the market after decades of great service. And more than that, their age and the economics of the electricity market are accelerating these closures.
The lowest cost replacement for this coal generation is renewable energy from the sun and the wind – backed up by batteries, gas and hydro to smooth the bumps in production.
Projects like VNI West will connect these new and diverse sources of electricity with Australian homes and businesses. Existing transmission cannot be relied upon, because the geographic location of generation has changed.
Timeline
A significant volume of work has been undertaken over the past two years to fully understand the previous draft corridor and identify a Project Easement that has the least impact to people and farming, balanced with consideration of the environment and other important land features.
TCV greatly appreciates the feedback and insights provided by many people in the project area.
We are committed to continuing to work closely with communities and landholders through the regulatory Environment Effects Statement (EES) process over the next 12 months to refine and confirm the alignment.
