Victoria’s planning for energy infrastructure is being reformed to make sure the state’s electricity grid is built to support the renewables agenda while keeping communities at the heart of the process.
Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio launched the Victorian Transmission Investment Framework (VTIF) on Thursday, June 8. The framework will ensure environmental, land-use, cultural and social factors are considered early in the process to inform locations for new transmission projects.
As Victoria’s ageing coal-fired power stations retire, we need new renewable energy capacity, supported by transmission infrastructure, to get electricity from the state’s wind and solar resources to homes and businesses across the state.
The Victorian Government body, VicGrid, will lead transmission project planning and development, and ensure local communities, landholders, Traditional Owners and other key stakeholders are consulted on these major projects from start to finish.
VicGrid will deliver tailored engagement to the needs of Traditional Owners and local stakeholder groups, including local reference groups as advisory bodies and having a physical presence in local communities by employing local staff to build trust and confidence in the planning process.
VicGrid will also develop a framework for government, industry and community partnerships to ensure that host communities benefit directly, and regional development opportunities are maximised.
VicGrid already coordinates the planning and development of Victoria’s renewable energy zones and will continue to lead this work as it adopts new roles and responsibilities under the Framework.
This includes developing a Victorian Transmission Plan – an outlook of the transmission infrastructure required for Victoria’s renewable energy transition over the next 15 years.
Priority areas for renewable energy zone development will be identified by early 2024, with publication of a draft Victorian Transmission Plan for consultation expected by late 2024.
Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform the way we plan our energy infrastructure.
“As Victoria moves toward 95 per cent renewables by 2035, we have to update and modernise our grid to deliver this cheaper, more reliable energy to homes and businesses across the state,” she said.
