The Albanese Government has given environmental approval to a transformative, nation-building project which will generate jobs and investment for Tasmania and Victoria, while unlocking clean and reliable energy through an undersea cable to the mainland.
The Marinus Link project will construct, operate and decommission a 1,500 MW subsea and underground electricity and fibre optics interconnector and related infrastructure between Tasmania and Victoria. The project will be delivered in two 750MW stages, with this approval covering both.
The full (two cable, 1,500MW) project is expected to create up to 3,300 direct and indirect jobs across Tasmania and Victoria during its development and construction phase.
By unlocking Tasmania's renewable energy resources, this project will help power homes and businesses across the eastern seaboard. The 750MW capacity of Marinus Link Stage 1 alone is roughly equal to the power supply for 750,000 Australian homes.
The project will enable the flow of electricity in both directions, providing energy security benefits for both Tasmanian and Victorian homes.
Marinus Link will also enhance internet connectivity by increasing fibre optic capacity between Tasmania and Victoria.
Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said Marinus Link will strengthen Australia's energy future, making it cleaner, more reliable and more affordable.
"By unlocking Tasmania's world-class renewable energy resources, this project will help power homes and businesses across the eastern seaboard and accelerate our transition to net zero," Minister Watt said.
"It will also strengthen energy security for Tasmania and Victoria by providing National Electricity Market (NEM) customers with greater access to a diverse and abundant supply of renewable energy and storage capacity.
"The project will support the creation of hundreds of jobs in both Victoria and Tasmania and will create future opportunities for investment opportunities for business in construction, engineering, telecommunications, and renewable energy sectors."
The Albanese Government worked closely with the Victorian and Tasmanian Governments, and relevant offshore regulatory agencies to ensure a rigorous assessment of the project under Australia's national environmental law.
This partnership with state governments has helped safeguard our nationally protected matters, with the Australian Government's decision under the national environment law being made ahead of the Tasmanian and Victorian government.
"This project is a good example of the Albanese Government's commitment to facilitate important economic development, while protecting our unique natural environment," Minister Watt said.
"The decision includes a comprehensive set of strict conditions designed to safeguard Australia's iconic animals, plants, and ecosystems, both on land and in marine environments."
