Tenders released for $3.8bn Marinus Link interconnector project in TAS

A major milestone has been reached on the proposed Marinus Link in Tasmania with State Minister for Energy and Renewables Hon Guy Barnett announcing the release of tenders for the project in December 2022. 

The approximately $3.8 billion project will deliver a 1,500MW capacity undersea and underground electricity connection that will further link Tasmania and Victoria. 

“Today we can announce another significant milestone in securing Tasmania’s energy future. 

“Marinus Link has gone to an international tender for the manufacture, construction and commissioning of key equipment of the 1,500MW undersea interconnector. 

“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,” Minister Barnett said. 

The tender process for Marinus Link will require international bidders to work with local suppliers and businesses. This will result in jobs for locals, both in Tasmania and Victoria, as well as a boost in economic activity. 

The release of tenders will ensure that critical equipment has already been secured ahead of the final investment decision which is scheduled for December 2024. 

“We have tailored the tender process to get ahead of rising global demand for key high voltage direct current equipment. 

“We’re on track to locking in the supply of critical HVDC equipment before the Final Investment Decision in December 2024. 

“Timely delivery of Marinus Link is key to realising its full benefits for Tasmania, and the broader National Electricity Market, including lower energy prices, more clean energy, more jobs and telecommunications reliability,” Marinus Link CEO Bess Clark said. 

Marinus Link route (source: Marinus Link)

Marinus Link will involve the delivery of about 255 kilometres of undersea High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cable and approximately 90 kilometres of underground HVDC cable in Victoria. The interconnector is proposed to run from North West Tasmania to the Latrobe Valley in Victoria. 

The multi-billion-dollar project will also involve the construction of converter stations in Tasmania and Victoria along with 240 kilometres of supporting High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) transmission developments in North West Tasmania. 

Marinus Link is anticipated to create up to 1,400 direct and indirect jobs in each connecting state – Victoria and Tasmania. The development is also expected to inject over $7 billion in additional economic activity. 

In addition, local businesses will be given the opportunity to bid for future works such as the delivery of buildings, fit outs and other supporting infrastructure and services. 

Local Australian suppliers who are interested in getting involved in delivering Marinus Link can register with the Industry Capability Network (ICN) website here. Those who registered will be provided with updates on opportunities and requirements. 

Marinus Link Pty Ltd – a subsidiary of TasNetworks – is progressing the design and approval stages for the project. 

The first stage of works will deliver the first 750MW of Marinus Link, which is set to be operational from mid-2028 while the second 750MW stage to be operational from mid-2030. 

Source: Premier of Tasmania – News; Marinus Link (1, 2)