Overview
The Victoria to NSW Interconnector West – known as VNI West – is a proposed new 500 kV double circuit transmission line connecting the high voltage electricity grids in New South Wales and Victoria.
VNI West is being jointly developed with Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) and will connect major projects EnergyConnect in NSW and Western Renewables Link in Victoria. The preferred option runs from Transgrid’s Dinawan substation north of Jerilderie in NSW to new substations proposed near Kerang and Bulgana in Victoria.
Why is the project needed?
Network congestion is increasing in some areas of NSW and Victoria – so is the energy system’s reliance on the benefits of interconnection between regions. Well-targeted and timely investment in the transmission network is needed to keep pace with these changes and provide consumers with the most cost-effective energy outcomes - while maintaining reliability and security.
VNI West is a core component and priority project in the Australian Energy Market Operator's (AEMO) 2022 Intergrated System Plan, which confirms the need for both short- and longer-term investment, to increase the transfer capacity between states in the National Electricity Market (NEM).
Project benefits
Projects such as VNI West represent once-in-a-generation opportunities to re-shape the NSW and Victorian transmission networks in a way that delivers the best possible value to electricity customers over the long term.
The project will:
- increase in the capacity to share electricity between NSW and Victoria
- improve the reliability and security of electricity supply in both states
- increase access to renewable energy sources
- create an economic boost for regional communities through the provision of jobs, training and local supply opportunities
- help achieve renewable energy targets and the overall decarbonisation of the National Electricity Market (NEM), while continuing to deliver safe, reliable and affordable electricity to consumers
See the VNI West fact sheet for more information.
