Victoria to NSW Interconnector West

Email VNIW@transgrid.com.au or call 1800 955 588 for information and updates on the VNI West project in NSW.

The Victoria to NSW Interconnector West – known as VNI West – is a proposed new 500 kV double circuit transmission line connecting the high voltage electricity grids in New South Wales and Victoria.

VNI West is being jointly developed with Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) and will connect major projects EnergyConnect in NSW and Western Renewables Link in Victoria. The preferred option runs from Transgrid’s Dinawan substation north of Jerilderie in NSW to new substations proposed near Kerang and Bulgana in Victoria.

This interactive map shows the preferred route for VNI West along with some of the key considerations influencing the route. Layers showing different considerations can be turned on or off using the map menu. 

Explore the interactive map

200m Transmission Line Corridor and NSW/Victoria border crossing identified

Transgrid has identified a 200m wide transmission line corridor where the new transmission line in NSW could be located between the 'Dinawan' substation (being built north of Jerilderie as part of EnergyConnect) and the Murray River, north of Kerang.

This 200m corridor will undergo assessment for the project's Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The 200m corridor will be further refined to a final 70 metre wide transmission line easement through detailed technical and environmental studies as part of the EIS and negotiations with landowners.

In consultation with Transmission Company Victoria (TCV), an area has been identified where the Transmission line could cross the Murray River. There will be ongoing assessment to ensure that VNI West is aligned at the border.

Secretary's Environment Assessment Requirements (SEARS)

On 4 October 2024, Transgrid received a copy of the NSW Planning Secretary's environmental assessment requirements (SEARs) for the project, which include all the environmental assessment requirements in relations to matters of national environmental significance identified in the Commonwealth Minister's 'controlled action' decision.

With the issuing of SEARs, Transgrid can prepare the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the NSW side of VNI West. This involves continuation of field surveys and development and design of the project.

Why is the project needed?

Network congestion is increasing in some areas of NSW and Victoria – so is the energy system’s reliance on the benefits of interconnection between regions. Well-targeted and timely investment in the transmission network is needed to keep pace with these changes and provide consumers with the most cost-effective energy outcomes - while maintaining reliability and security.

VNI West is a core component and listed as an actionable project in the Australian Energy Market Operator's (AEMO) 2024 Integrated System Plan, which confirms the need for both short- and longer-term investment, to increase the transfer capacity between states in the National Electricity Market (NEM).

Project benefits

Projects such as VNI West represent once-in-a-generation opportunities to re-shape the NSW and Victorian transmission networks in a way that delivers the best possible value to electricity customers over the long term.

The project will:

• increase in the capacity to share electricity between NSW and Victoria
• improve the reliability and security of electricity supply in both states
• increase access to renewable energy sources
• create an economic boost for regional communities through the provision of jobs, training and local supply opportunities
• help achieve renewable energy targets and the overall decarbonisation of the National Electricity Market (NEM), while continuing to deliver safe, reliable and affordable electricity to consumers

See the VNI West fact sheet for more information.

Information sessions

With the 200 metre wide transmission line corridor announced, and the NSW Government issuing SEARS, we are now developing the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for VNI West.

We are planning further sessions in February 2025 and will advise of dates soon.

In recent months, we've been engaging communities to better understand the potential social impacts of VNI West in NSW on landowners and the community, both positive and negative, during construction and operation of the project.

This has included seeking broader feedback on themes and topics related to community investment and benefits, which will help our assessment of community investment and benefit initiatives. We will provide an update early in 2025 on feedback received. 

Transgrid has established a Community Consultative Group (CCG) to provide a forum for community members, stakeholders and local councils to seek information from Transgrid and to provide feedback to inform corridor refinement and the subsequent Environmental Assessment process.

The purpose of the group is to:

• provide a forum for open and constructive discussions about the VNI West project
• help Transgrid better understand community perspectives and issues related to the project
• work with Transgrid to develop ideas for community benefits and project legacy.

The upcoming meeting schedule is provided below.

Agendas and minutes will be published about two weeks after each meeting. The CCG will operate under the Terms of Reference and Code of Conduct.

For further information please email the CCG Secretariat Reem Nasr at Reem.Nasr@transgrid.com.au

For information and updates on the VNI West project in NSW, contact Transgrid via email VNIW@transgrid.com.au or call 1800 955 588.

For information relating to the VNI West project in Victoria, please visit the Transmission Company Victoria webpage or email enquiries@transmissionvictoria.com.au. 

• Project Specification Consultation Report (PSCR) - December 2019
• Project Assessment Draft Report (PADR) – July 2022
• Additional Consultation Report – February 2023
• Project Assessment Conclusions Report (PACR) Volume 1 – May 2023
• Project Assessment Conclusions Report (PACR) Volume 2 – May 2023