Transgrid encourages community feedback on VNI West proposal

Project Director Colin Mayer said: “As we continue to plan this priority, clean energy infrastructure, we invite everyone, including landowners, communities, and business owners to review the document and provide feedback.

“Transgrid recognises the urgency of the energy transition and we stand ready to begin delivery of VNI West, which is critical to secure cheaper, cleaner and more reliable renewable energy for more than eight million people across NSW as ageing coal-fired power plants retire.”

The CPA Stage 1 details costings to deliver early works for the NSW section of the VNI West project, including estimated cost savings to consumers of more than $845 million comprising:

• $60 million through securing Long Lead Equipment such as transformers, reactors, conductor and steel through Transgrid’s Powering Tomorrow Together program, which bundles procurement for major projects to deliver them faster and cheaper for consumers
• $787 million in investment synergies for undertaking design and construction works associated with the integration of VNI West, HumeLink and EnergyConnect (Gugga Substation) as part of Stage 1 early works.

VNI West, which is being jointly developed with Transmission Company Victoria, will connect major projects EnergyConnect in NSW and Western Renewables Link in Victoria.

It is recognised by the Australian Energy Market Operator as a priority project in its draft 2024 Integrated System Plan to increase the amount of energy shared between the two states and deliver the best options for electricity customers in the long term.

The preferred route options for VNI West were outlined in a draft report released on 29 January 2024 for public consultation, with a series of community information drop-in sessions being held in February and March (list below).

Mr Mayer said: “We will continue to undertake significant community, stakeholder and customer engagement to gain feedback about project planning and help ensure we select a route that balances cost to consumers, environmental protection and amenity for local communities and landowners.

“We are doing all we can to reduce the cost to consumers including embedding innovation in the design and technical solutions to deliver the most cost-efficient outcome and engaging reputable delivery partners via a competitive process.”

CPA Stage 1 can be accessed on the Australian Energy Regulator’s website here. Submissions are invited and can be made until 1 March 2024. 

Drop-in sessions

For more information about the project visit: https://www.transgrid.com.au/projects-innovation/vni-west

Transgrid media contact:

Mark Nolan 0429 047 136