Nuclear power is not considered in the Integrated Systems Plan (ISP) as the report is required to take into account existing Federal and State Government law and policy. Nuclear generation is currently banned under Australian law. The latest GenCost report, produced in collaboration with CSIRO on the cost of building future electricity generation, finds nuclear generation to be a lot more expensive than other options to generate electricity. It should also be noted that the time it would take to design and build nuclear generation on a significant scale in Australia may be too slow to replace retiring coal fired generation, as coal-fired generators look to close within a decade.

AEMO identified several issues in the Plan B report, including several incorrect assumptions. Overall, AEMO does not consider Plan B to be a viable alternative to VNI West. Please find AEMO’s response to the Plan B report here (https://aemo.com.au/initiatives/major-programs/vni...). VicGrid also commissioned Jacobs Group Australia to undertake an independent assessment of Plan B. This was released in April 2024 (see VicGrid website (https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/vic...)). The review did not support Plan B’s assessment and suggested alternative to VNI West, finding that VNI West meets Victorian energy objectives. The review also found that Plan B had underestimated the benefits of the VNI West project and would present its own risks and challenges.

More information regarding a proposal to underground transmission infrastructure intersecting the Victorian section of VNI West, can be found here:https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/vic...

Undergrounding reduces visual amenity impacts and bushfire risks but causes significant environmental disturbance, restricts farming activities, and complicates maintenance. It is also much more expensive and time-consuming. For example, a NSW study found undergrounding would triple costs and add five years to construction. However, to ensure all options are considered appropriately, TCV will conduct an undergrounding study as part of the EES.