International tenders have been released for the Marinus Link project for the manufacture, construction and commissioning of key equipment for the 1500MW undersea interconnector.
Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Renewables, Guy Barnett, said, “The release of tender specifications to shortlisted bidders for highly specialised cable equipment once again demonstrates that Marinus Link is on a strong pathway for delivery.”
The tender process requires international bidders to work with local suppliers and businesses, creating jobs for locals in both Tasmania and Victoria and increased economic activity as a direct result of the project.
Shortlisted bidders are ready to receive tender documents, to ensure the supply of critical equipment is acquired ahead of a final investment decision scheduled for December 2024.
The Tasmanian government aims to make the decision in the best interests for the Tasmanian population, and the Final Investment Decision will be an important gateway in reviewing this informed by the outcomes of the tender process.
Marinus Link means more jobs for Tasmanians, attracting billions of dollars of investment in regional areas of Tasmania, including 1,400 jobs in Tasmania and more than $7 billion in additional economic activity to the state.
The Australian Government lists the Marinus Link and the Battery of the Nation projects under its Rewiring the Nation program, low cost financing will be made available to partially fund the construction of these projects.
Importantly, equitable cost sharing arrangements between the Commonwealth, Tasmanian, and Victorian governments have been agreed, meaning that Tasmanian consumers will only pay their fair share.
Tasmania will be well placed to provide affordable, reliable and clean energy while strengthening Tasmania’s energy security and further growing on-island energy use.
