Construction has commenced on the Mortlake Turn-In project, which is expected to unlock 1.5GW of renewable energy generation capacity thanks to transmission upgrades.
There are currently two 500kV transmission lines which run past the Mortlake Terminal Station, but only one connects to the station. This project will upgrade the current layout and connect the second 500kV line to the terminal station.
Connecting both circuits at the Mortlake Terminal Station will allow a more balanced sharing of power between the two parallel circuits, making the network more stable.
It will provide a critical boost to wind farms in Victoria’s south west which have been impacted by constraints in this part of the network.
AusNet has been contracted by the Australian Energy Market Operator to deliver the project along with its construction partner Consolidated Power Projects Australia, as part of the Victorian Government’s Renewable Energy Zone Development Plan.
AusNet CEO, David Smales, said this project will improve capacity on the transmission network to enable increased renewable energy generation in Victoria.
“AusNet is pleased to be enabling the energy transition by helping unlock renewable energy, ensuring we have the transmission network needed to harness the sun and wind from the south west of Victoria,” Mr Smales said.
“This project has a number of benefits, including addressing network constraints, creating jobs, and providing new renewable generation development opportunities in the longer term.
“We look forward to working with the local community and to procuring local goods and services.”
The Victorian Government has set out the need for 25GW of new renewable energy and storage capacity by 2035.
The project is located 50km north-east of Warrnambool and is due for completion by the end of 2025.
