Iberdrola Australia is a locally-based team that is backed by the globally renowned Iberdrola Group. The team brings demonstrated expertise and experience in delivering complex, large-scale energy infrastructure projects. The team’s experience in project management, financing and a strong commitment to drive positive outcomes for communities and stakeholders aligns strongly with the VNI West project's objectives and VicGrid’s vision.

The development partner was selected through a rigorous tender process designed to identify the best candidate to deliver on VNI West’s objectives. A Registration of Interest (ROI) process began in late 2024.. Shortlisted parties then participated in an interactive information period, followed by a detailed Invitation to Tender (ITT) phase. During the ITT phase, tenderers were assessed on their ability to meet project objectives, their acceptance of contractual terms and a range of commercial and operational criteria. A key criterion was demonstrating how they will build trust and deliver social value for the local community. This comprehensive process ensured the chosen development partner is well-equipped to support the project’s successful delivery.

International companies like Iberdrola Group bring valuable experience and innovative approaches to complex infrastructure projects like VNI West. Iberdrola Group is one of the world's largest electricity utilities by market capitalisation and provides energy services to 34 million customer billing points. The procurement process was designed to identify the most capable partner to meet the project’s requirements, including community needs and stakeholder expectations. Iberdrola Australia has a locally based team that demonstrated a strong ability to deliver on these objectives while meeting the high standards required for this critical project.

The development partner will bring:

• Increased capability and capacity to support complex project development and delivery.
• The operational and financial resources required to meet project timelines.
• Expertise in building trust and working collaboratively with communities, landholders and Traditional Owners.
• Support to advance design development, procurement planning and to secure critical equipment to maintain project progress.

The development phase is now underway, with Iberdrola Australia working closely with VicGrid to advance the project. Early activities will include design development, procurement planning and contractor engagement. Stakeholders can expect further updates as the project progresses and opportunities to engage will be shared in the coming months.

A progressive consortium build-up is the step-by-step process of assembling a team of partners to deliver VNI West. The process begins with the appointment of Iberdrola Australia as the development partner. VicGrid and the development partner will focus on securing additional consortium members, including a Design & Construction (D&C) contractor and financier. The consortium will continue to grow during the development phase, ensuring all necessary expertise and resources are ready for the project’s delivery.

During the onboarding period, day-to-day interactions with VicGrid will remain unchanged. VicGrid will lead community, stakeholder and Traditional Owner engagement. Iberdrola Australia will be fully briefed on existing commitments and will work collaboratively with VicGrid to honour them. Stakeholders can continue to rely on existing VicGrid (TCV) representatives as their primary point of contact.

VicGrid will continue to lead engagement with communities and landholders during the development phase. Iberdrola Australia will work collaboratively with VicGrid to ensure its activities reflect the needs and expectations of local communities. As Iberdrola Australia deepens its understanding of the project’s context, it will support engagement activities.

Yes, VicGrid will honour all landholder agreements. Iberdrola Australia will be fully briefed on all existing landholder agreements and will work with VicGrid to ensure they are upheld.

The expected construction completion date for the VNI West transmission project is now late 2030. This updated timeline reflects revised planning, design and construction assumptions. The new construction completion target allows more time for detailed environmental, geotechnical and cultural assessments, along with more meaningful landholder engagement on access and easement arrangements. Iberdrola Australia's focus on procurement and design will ensure that critical milestones are met within this revised schedule, helping to prevent delays and maintain momentum for the project's progression.