About the Project

Marinus Link is a proposed undersea and underground electricity and data interconnector between North West Tasmania and the Latrobe Valley in Victoria.

The project includes high voltage direct current (HVDC) cables, fibre optic cables, a communications station, and converter stations at each end.

The project's cables span 345 kilometres (km). This includes 255 km of undersea cables across Bass Strait and 90 km of underground cables in Gippsland, Victoria.

Marinus Link will improve the connection between Tasmania and the national grid.

It will enable the flow of more electricity in both directions, delivering low-cost, reliable and clean energy for customers in the National Electricity Market (NEM).

Marinus Link's 1500 megawatt (MW) capacity is equal to the power supply for 1.5 million Australian homes and approximately three times the capacity of the existing Tasmania to Victoria interconnector, Basslink.

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 2024 Integrated System Plan).

Marinus Link will create around 3300 direct and indirect jobs at peak construction across Tasmania and Victoria. Marinus Link will generate approximately $3.9 billion in direct economic activity in Tasmania and Victoria during construction and operation.

Marinus Link Pty Ltd (MLPL) is jointly owned by the Australian, Tasmanian and Victorian Governments.

Further information about Marinus Link can be found in their digital library, which includes info packs, factsheets and maps.

Procurement

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

MLPL 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.

Marinus Link will be delivered in two stages. Initially as a 750 MW project (Stage 1) with a second 750 MW link to follow at a later date (Stage 2).

A Final Investment Decision on Stage 1 of Marinus Link is planned for May 2025.

Construction of Stage 1 is expected to begin in 2026 and completed by 2030.

A decision on Stage 2 to be made at a later date, with plans to be completed and in service around 2033.

Key milestones include:

• Design and approvals (current phase)
• Final Investment Decision for Stage 1 May 2025
• Manufacturing, construction and commissioning of Stage 1 from 2026, completed by 2030
• Decision on Stage 2 made at a later date

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 constructed; 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 symmetrical monopoles of HVDC cable spanning 255km undersea in Bass Strait and 90km underground in Victoria.

Two converter stations will be constructed at the same sites in Heybridge and Hazelwood.

A decision on this stage will be made at a later date and align with hydro developments in Tasmania.

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'

MLPL 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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