VicGrid has provided an update on the delineation of the state’s renewable energy zones (REZ), with a consultation phase attracting 580 submissions from community.
The state-owned company will now assess the feedback, which was accrued across a four-month period, along with other contributions across the past 18 months before the Minister for Energy and Resources formally declares the zones. VicGrid hasn’t provided a timeline for this.
There are six proposed REZs under the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan, which will accompany the Gippsland Shoreline REZ delineated to support the state’s offshore wind industry.
VicGrid chief executive Alistair Parker previously outlined the importance of these designated areas.
“Coal-fired power stations are becoming unreliable and closing down and the cheapest option to replace them is solar and wind generation backed by storage and transmission infrastructure,” he said.
“This is a big change that has the potential to leave a lasting legacy for regional and rural Victoria if it’s well managed and planned.”
Victoria’s proposed REZs are as follows:
Central Highlands
The draft Central Highlands REZ spans the Golden Plains, Corangamite and Pyrenees local government areas south-west of Ballarat. This includes existing 500kV and 220kV transmission lines extending through or bordering the zone.
Western
The draft Western REZ encompassed two zones either side of Horsham – one extending from Minyip in the south-east to Hopetoun in the north, with the other between Stawell to Donald.
These zones have a 220kV transmission line extending through or bordering the area, with the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector (VNI) West and Western Renewables Link set to be built proximate to this.
Gippsland
The draft Gippsland REZ is located between Morwell and Sale and includes existing 500kV and 220kV transmission lines, the proposed Marinus Link that connects with north-east Tasmania and the Latrobe Valley in Victoria, and a draft offshore wind transmission line that connects with the coastal Gippsland Shoreline REZ.
South West
The draft South West REZ encompasses two zones – one south-east of Hamilton between Macarthur and Darlington and the other north-west of Hamilton near Coleraine. An existing 550kV transmission line extends through the southern section of the South West REZ.
North West
The draft North West REZ is located between Kerang and Swan Hill and includes an existing 220kV transmission line as well as the proposed VNI West.
Central North
The draft Central North REZ spans two sections either side of Shepparton. A western section sits between Bendigo and Tatura, with the eastern section between Shepparton and Glenrowan. A 220kV transmission line connects the two.
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