Marinus Link Project Updates

www.marinuslink.com.au

Marinus Link is a major project connecting Tasmania and Victoria by electricity and telecommunications.

For Burnie and the North West Coast, it means more local jobs, lower power prices, and a boost to clean energy. It will support enough power for 1.5 million homes and unlock $7 billion in new wind, solar, and hydro projects.

A key part of the project is the converter station at Heybridge, where work is already underway, including sea floor testing using a special platform out on the water.

• 255 kilometres of high voltage direct current (HVDC) undersea cabling
• converter stations at each end in Tasmania and Victoria
• 90 kilometres of HVDC underground cabling - 150 times greater than all three current Bass Strait fibre optic cables combined!
• The first 750 MW stage is forecast to be built and operating from 2028, with the second 750 MW stage from 2030. 
• Marinus Link Pty Ltd is a subsidiary of TasNetworks.

Community Update - Tasmania

marinuslink.com.au/category/community-updates

• April 2025 Two major construction consortiums, TasVic Greenlink and Empower, have been shortlisted for the final tender of Marinus Link’s first stage. They are now in a ‘development phase’ to determine the preferred contractor for the ‘Balance of Works’ package. This is the largest opportunity yet for local businesses to benefit directly from Marinus Link, with a strong focus on local involvement.
• Jan 2025  Marinus Link’s Tasmanian Development Application and Environmental Impact Statements are on public exhibition.
• 2024: Marinus Link highlighted its role in supporting clean, reliable energy for Tasmania and Australia. In March, it was promoted as a nationally significant project for powering the economy with renewables. By May, the focus shifted to how Marinus would help lower power prices and attract new industries to Tasmania. In September, geotechnical investigations began at Heybridge to support project design and construction.

• 2023: Marinus Link focused on engaging with the Burnie community, highlighting the importance of local input, through a Community Partnership Program with Burnie City Council to strengthen local connections, and attending the Burnie Show and Agri-Expo to continued their outreach.

Project Updates

marinuslink.com.au/category/media-releases

2025
Marinus Link reached key milestones as it moved closer to construction. Early in the year, local businesses were encouraged to get involved, and new CEO Stephanie McGregor was appointed to lead project delivery. The project’s environmental approvals were opened for public comment, and major construction contractors were shortlisted. By March, the Australian Government listed Marinus as a national decarbonisation priority, and the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) published key documents on construction costs for public feedback.

In May, the AER confirmed Marinus costs were fair and efficient, the Victorian Minister approved the project’s environmental impacts, and the Marinus board recommended proceeding with construction, citing strong financial benefits. Agreements were signed to prepare for construction, and by July, a major cost-benefit analysis confirmed Marinus Link as a sound investment ahead of final regulatory approvals.

2024

Marinus Link took more practical steps. The project officially became owned by the Australian, Tasmanian, and Victorian governments. They opened public feedback on environmental approvals and confirmed top-quality technology will power the project. National energy plans showed Marinus Link is essential for Australia’s clean energy future. After public consultation finished, the project locked in a finish date of 2030 and started sorting out land access agreements. Leadership changes were made, and by the end of the year, the costs of building the project were being checked by independent regulators.

2023

Marinus Link kept moving ahead with more community involvement. A new CEO started, local groups were asked for their views, and discussions with businesses and governments continued. New leadership was announced to guide the next steps. Plans were shared with the public, talks with First Nations people progressed, and cable capacity was locked in. They also launched new survey technology and celebrated students learning about new energy. By the end of the year, tenders opened for businesses, and sports partnerships were used to encourage young people to think about future energy jobs in Tasmania.

2022

Marinus Link made big steps forward. Experts said it’s urgently needed to help Australia’s power supply. New board members were brought on, and the governments of Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria signed an important agreement to make it happen. It was shown that Marinus Link will help keep electricity reliable and affordable. By the end of the year, the project was ready to go to tender (start seeking companies to build it), talked about creating a Renewable Energy Zone, and announced funding that will bring more jobs.