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 is 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.

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Procurement

The Lead Contractors 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 is currently in the design and approvals phase.

The project is expected to reach a Final Investment Decision in late 2024. The signing of contracts and manufacturing, construction and commissioning will commence shortly after.

Marinus Link will be built in two 750 MW stages, with construction of stage 1 is expected to start in early 2025.

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

Stage 1 of Marinus Link involves 750 MW symmetrical monopoles of HVDC cable spanning 255km undersea in Bass Strait and 90km underground in Victoria.

Two converter stations will be built. One in Heybridge, Tasmania and another in Hazelwood, Victoria.

This will allow the NEM to access:

• Tasmania's existing renewable storage capacity of 14 TWh.
• Additional capacity from Tasmania's planned hydro redevelopments, including Tarraleah.
• World-class wind resources from current and new wind developments.
  

Stage 2

Stage 2 of Marinus Link involves a second 750 MW cable and connected converter station buildings at the same sites in Heybridge and Gippsland.

This stage will align with the business case and development of the Cethana Pumped Hydro project in Tasmania and is expected to stimulate further development of wind generation.

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 is already engaged in a tender process with international suppliers for equipment works packages.

For Australian entities, the majority of opportunities will exist via civil work's packages and sub-contract arrangements with the appointed international suppliers.

HOW TO REGISTER AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

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