The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Anne Urquhart MP, Member for Braddon
The Albanese Government is getting on with building Marinus Link, a nation-building project that will create thousands of Tasmanian jobs, strengthen Australia's energy security and help deliver cheaper, cleaner and more reliable electricity.
The new undersea and underground electricity connection between Tasmania and Victoria will put Tasmania's renewable energy resources at the heart of a stronger national electricity grid.
Project Marinus, incorporating Marinus Link and the North West Transmission Developments being undertaken by TasNetworks, will deliver 750 megawatts of capacity, equivalent to the power needs of around 750,000 homes, and is expected to support around 2,400 jobs across Tasmania and Victoria.
Marinus Link will allow electricity to flow both ways across Bass Strait. Tasmania will be able to import more low-cost solar and wind power when it is plentiful on the mainland, conserving water in its hydro dams, and export renewable electricity when it is needed most.
For Tasmania, that means greater energy security during dry periods, new opportunities for renewable energy investment and better access to mainland markets.
For the rest of the national grid, Project Marinus forms a critical part of our energy infrastructure, making better use of renewable energy across all states on the east coast, helping to keep our energy system reliable and putting downward pressure on electricity prices as ageing coal-fired power stations retire.
The project is being delivered in partnership with the Tasmanian and Victorian governments, backed by concessional finance through the Albanese Government's Rewiring the Nation program, delivered by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:
"The previous Coalition Government spent years talking about what Marinus Link could deliver. We're getting on with delivering it.
"We've backed the project, secured the investment with the states and now we're turning that ambition into jobs and construction."
"This connection works both ways. Tasmania can use cheap mainland solar and wind to save water in its dams, then send hydro power back when it's needed most.
"That's good for Tasmania's energy security and good for the rest of the national grid, delivering cleaner power where and when it's needed.
"This is what our energy plan is about: building the renewables, storage and connections needed for cheaper, cleaner and more reliable electricity."
Quotes attributable to Member for Braddon Anne Urquhart:
"This is a big day for the North West Coast. Marinus Link means opportunities for local workers, local suppliers and businesses across our region.
"I want young people growing up here to have more opportunities to learn a trade, build a career and raise a family without having to leave the Coast.
"Our region has the skills and the people to help build Australia's energy future. Today is an important step towards turning that opportunity into lasting benefits for our community."
