The Rockliff Liberal Government knows that the Marinus Link partnership with the Federal Government will unlock exciting economic and jobs opportunities for Tasmania in the renewables sector and help de-carbonise the nation's energy supply.
"Today we can announce another significant milestone in securing Tasmania's energy future," Energy and Renewables Minister Guy Barnett said.
"Marinus Link has gone to an international tender for the manufacture, construction and commissioning of key equipment for the 1500MW 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 requires international bidders to work with local suppliers and businesses, which means jobs for locals in both Tasmania and Victoria and increased economic activity as a direct result of the project.
Short listed bidders are ready to receive tender documents, which will ensure we have every possible chance of securing the supply of critical equipment ahead of a final investment decision scheduled for December 2024.
We've always said that this significant project needs to be in Tasmania's best interests, and the Final Investment Decision will be an important gateway in reviewing this informed by the outcomes of the tender process.
Marinus Link means more jobs for Tasmanians, attracting billions of dollars of investment in regional areas of Tasmania, including 1400 jobs in Tasmania and more than $7 billion in additional economic activity to the State.
With the Australian Government listing Marinus Link and the Battery of the Nation projects under its Rewiring the Nation program, low cost financing will be made available to partially fund the construction of these projects. Importantly, equitable cost sharing arrangements between the Commonwealth, Tasmanian, and Victorian governments have been agreed, meaning that Tasmanian consumers will only pay their fair share.
With Marinus Link and Battery of the Nation, Tasmania will be well placed to provide affordable, reliable and clean energy while strengthening Tasmania's energy security and further growing on-island energy use.
Australian suppliers interested in working with Marinus Link should register with the Industry Capability Network (ICN) at marinuslink.icn.org.au. The ICN will update registered companies on opportunities and requirements as they become available.
