Victoria releases draft transmission plan

This identifies areas for renewable energy zones.

VicGrid, the government body responsible for planning and developing Victoria’s renewable energy zones, has announced that the draft transmission plan is now available for comments.

In a statement, the government said the draft 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan identifies proposed areas for the renewable energy zones following consultations held last year.

The plan also sets “how much more wind and solar energy Victoria is expected to need over the next 15 years and identifies the most suitable locations for new renewable energy and transmission projects,” it added.

Under the draft, there are seven proposed renewable energy zones that cover about seven percent of the state, many of which will co-exist with other land uses. These were chosen for their suitability to host clean power projects, taking into account feedback from those affected, the quality of wind and solar resources, existing land uses and how projects can connect to the grid.

The Victorian Transmission Plan has also identified the need for four new transmission lines in addition to projects already underway. These include an additional line to support future offshore wind energy in Gippsland, a second line from South West Victoria to Melbourne, a second line between Yallourn and Hazelwood and a short line between Truganina and Deer Park in Melbourne.

Authorities aim to publish the final plan later this year.