Marinus Link

About the Project

Marinus Link is a proposed 1500 megawatt (MW), undersea and underground electricity and telecommunications connector between Tasmania and Victoria. It will comprise high voltage direct current (HVDC) cables, fibre optic cables, and converter stations in both Tasmania and Victoria.

Marinus Link will further connect Tasmania to the National Electricity Market (NEM), comprising Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. Marinus Link is currently in planning and development, known as the 'design and approvals' phase.

Marinus Link Pty Ltd is a subsidiary of TasNetworks, which plans, owns and operates Tasmania's electricity network. Marinus Link will be jointly owned by the Australian, Tasmanian and Victorian Governments.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has confirmed that Marinus Link is a critical, and urgently required part of Australia's low-cost, reliable and clean energy future. (Source: AEMO 2022 Integrated System Plan).

Marinus Link will create around 2800 direct and indirect jobs at peak construction across Tasmania and Victoria. Marinus Link will generate approximately $2.9 billion in direct economic activity in Tasmania and Victoria during construction and operation.

Click here to find out more.

Procurement

The Lead Contractor will be required to provide Tasmanian and/or Victorian Industry Participation Plans that demonstrate how they will maximise opportunities for Australian companies.

Marinus Link Pty Ltd recognises that the project provides significant opportunities for suitably qualified and experienced Australian manufacturers, suppliers, contractors and subcontractors, consultants and other service providers to participate, directly or indirectly, in the project.

Across all works packages, contractors and subcontractors will need to effectively manage contract interfaces and scheduling requirements.

Timing

Marinus Link will be built in two 750 MW stages, with commissioning of each stage separated by two to three years.

The full capacity of Marinus Link (stage 1 and stage 2) is expected to be operational by as early as 2030.

Marinus Link will reach a Final Investment Decision in late 2024, with the signing of contracts and manufacturing, construction and commissioning to commence shortly after that decision is made.

Key milestones include:

• Design and approvals (current phase)
• Final Investment Decision December 2024
• Manufacturing, construction and commissioning, to take place across two 750 MW stages from early 2025
• Stage 1 will be completed and in service 2028-29
• Stage 2 will be completed and in service 2030-31

Stage 1

Stage 1 of Marinus Link, the first 750 MW, will allow the NEM to access Tasmania's existing hydro capacity together with new wind developments.

Two converter station buildings each in Heybridge, Tasmania and Gippsland, Victoria, will be built. The first buildings will take up to 18 months to build, with construction expected to start in early 2025.

Stage 2

Stage 2 of Marinus Link, the second 750 MW, will enable the development of long-duration pumped hydro and stimulate further development of wind generation.

The second converter station buildings will be constructed two to three years after the first, on the same sites in Heybridge and Gippsland.

Main Works Packages

Marinus Link will be delivered via the following main works packages:

HVDC Converters

Converter Design and Supply Equipment; and Converter Design and Construct Stations

HVDC Cables

Cable System - 'CB1'; and Cable System - 'CB2'

Marinus Link Pty Ltd has already pre-qualified international suppliers to be invited to participate in the tender processes for these main works packages.

For Australian entities, the majority of opportunities will exist via sub-contract arrangements with the appointed international suppliers.

HOW TO REGISTER AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

• To submit an EOI, companies must have an ICN Gateway company profile. Information on how to register your company on ICN Gateway is detailed below.
• This is an initial, generic EOI submission only. All companies who submit an EOI will be included in information presented to companies who are short listed to bid for this Project.
• The services, programmes and initiatives provided by ICN Victoria are aimed at complementing a company's existing Sales, Marketing and Business Development strategy and any EOI submitted should not be considered as an alternative to these activities.

ICN GATEWAY COMPANY REGISTRATION

• Click here to register your company profile on ICN Gateway.
• Support and assistance are available through the web links listed below.
• An ICN Gateway company profile that accurately and effectively summarises your company is critical to using the services of the ICN Group - please ensure that your company invests the time and energy required to represent your company in the most effective manner possible.
• Companies should ensure that the email notification functionality within their ICN Gateway company profile is activated to include an appropriate level of coverage to Information & Updates, Major Projects and Regional Opportunities.

(1)ICN Gateway Setup Wizard
(2)ICN Gateway User Guide