The Victorian Government has identified a preferred transmission route to connect the state’s first offshore wind projects off the Gippsland coast to the electricity grid. The approximately 60-kilometre route will run between the Loy Yang Power Station switchyard and a proposed new terminal station at Giffard. The corridor, around 200 metres wide, will provide space for shared transmission infrastructure.
VicGrid has worked with landholders, communities and other stakeholders since 2023 to refine the route, supported by environmental, cultural heritage and technical studies. Discussions are now taking place with landholders within the preferred route on indicative tower locations, construction activities and the transmission easement.
The work is being undertaken alongside Victoria’s first offshore wind auction, launched in August 2026, which covers the first 2 GW of offshore wind capacity.
The preferred route will form the basis of a reference design. This design will be assessed through an Environment Effects Statement, with the Victorian Government expecting to exhibit the design and invite public submissions in early 2027. Final tower and easement locations will be refined through further technical work and consultation.
