The Hon Josh Wilson MP, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Anne Urquhart MP, Member for Braddon
The Albanese Government has taken another important step towards delivering a cheaper, cleaner and more secure energy future with the granting of a new licence to establish the Marinus Link between Tasmania and the mainland.
The licence to Marinus Link Pty Ltd marks a significant milestone for the new electricity connection between Tasmania and Victoria, which will strengthen energy security, put downward pressure on electricity prices for households and businesses and create higher two-way electricity capacity.
The new link will strengthen grid reliability in Victoria and other mainland states as part of the energy transition and provide long-term certainty to major industrial users in Tasmania by utilising the mainland's cheap solar during the day and powering homes with Tasmanian hydro power at night.
Marinus Link will be delivered in two stages. Scheduled for completion in late 2030, Stage 1 will comprise a 750-megawatt interconnector. The interconnector will span 345km running under Bass Strait from Burnie in Northwest Tasmania to Waratah Bay on Victoria's south coast, then underground to the Latrobe Valley.
Together with the interdependent North West Transmission Developments project (together 'Project Marinus') it will create around 2,400 jobs and $2.4 billion of investment.
Analysis from Project Marinus shows the project is expected to reduce average wholesale electricity prices by around $15 per MWh in Tasmania and $17 per MWh in Victoria once operational.
For households, this is expected to translate into annual household electricity bill reductions of around $25 to $36 in Tasmania and Victoria.
This milestone follows environmental approval for Marinus Link under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act in 2025 and comes as early works continue ahead of major construction.
Marinus Link is part of the Albanese Government's investment in new transmission to deliver cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy, for homes, businesses and industries that need it.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson:
"This is a landmark moment. Marinus Link is a nation-building project, but it's also a project with real benefits for Tasmanians and Victorians, helping put downward pressure on electricity prices while unlocking new investment in Australia's clean energy future.
"This connection works both ways. It will help Tasmania make the most of mainland solar and wind power while sharing its renewable energy with the mainland when it is needed most.
"Building the infrastructure needed for a cleaner energy system is central to a Future Made in Australia. Projects like Marinus Link help ensure Australians can benefit from cheaper, more reliable and lower-emissions energy.
"The Albanese Government is getting on with the job of building the transmission and energy infrastructure Australia needs, so households and businesses can share in the benefits of the energy transformation."
Quotes attributable to Member for Braddon, Anne Urquhart:
"Marinus Link is not only about delivering cleaner and more reliable energy, but also about creating real opportunities for communities across Braddon and North West Tasmania.
"The project will support hundreds of local jobs during construction and create long-term economic opportunities by attracting investment in renewable energy and related industries.
"Importantly, the Tasmanian Clean Energy Centre of Excellence will help ensure local people can access the skills and training needed to take advantage of these opportunities. Through apprenticeships, traineeships and specialised training pathways, young Tasmanians will be able to build rewarding careers in the clean energy sector without having to leave the region.
"By investing in both infrastructure and workforce development, the Albanese Government is helping position Tasmania and Braddon at the centre of Australia's clean energy future."
