Marinus Link has received a positive Final Investment Decision (FID) from government stakeholders, clearing the way for construction of a major electricity interconnector between Tasmania and Victoria,
A press release said that Stage One construction is slated to begin in 2026 with completion targeted for 2030. The project will establish a second high-voltage direct current (HVDC) connection across Bass Strait, adding up to 1.5 GW of capacity via two 750 MW links. Stage One includes a 750 MW cable between Burnie, Tasmania, and Hazelwood, Victoria, made up of approximately 250 km of undersea cable and 90 km of underground cable. This stage will proceed in parallel with the first phase of the North West Transmission Developments (NWTD) to reinforce Tasmania’s electrical grid.
Industry leaders have been selected for key components: Prysmian Group, through Prysmian PowerLink, will supply and install both the undersea and underground HVDC cables for Stage One. Hitachi Energy will supply the HVDC converter stations necessary for alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) conversion.
Stage Two, planned to deliver an additional 750 MW, remains subject to market conditions, regulatory approval, and further development of dispatchable generation in Tasmania. This second phase is intended to roll out alongside NWTD’s later phase, but has yet to be contracted.
Marinus Link forms the centerpiece of the broader Project Marinus initiative, which includes supporting transmission infrastructure within Tasmania and operates alongside the existing Basslink interconnector. The project aims to tap Tasmania’s hydro and wind resources for export, bolstering reliability and flexibility in the National Electricity Market (NEM). According to TasNetworks and Marinus Link Pty Ltd, it will facilitate greater renewable integration, complement mainland grid modernization, and support Australia’s energy transition targets.
