Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 24, VicGrid, a Victoria, Australia-based agency, has released its 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan, a comprehensive strategy to ensure affordable and reliable energy as coal-fired power plants retire. Announced recently, the plan outlines the transmission infrastructure needed over the next 15 years to integrate new renewable energy projects into the grid, supporting Victoria’s transition to sustainable energy.

The plan proposes establishing six renewable energy zones (REZs) to guide the development of wind, solar, and battery storage projects, identifying optimal locations for developers, communities, and landholders. Following feedback on a draft plan published in May, VicGrid refined the zones, adjusting the South West and Central North REZs and expanding the Wimmera Mallee REZ to merge with the Grampians Wimmera REZ into a single Western REZ to accommodate more projects.

“The Victorian Transmission Plan will ensure an orderly energy transition and has been designed through consultation to minimise impacts on landholders, regional communities, and crucial regional industries like agriculture,” said Alistair Parker, chief executive of VicGrid. The agency incorporated feedback from communities and stakeholders, excluding sensitive areas like brolga habitats and irrigated farmland from the proposed zones to balance environmental and agricultural concerns.

Covering approximately 7.9% of Victoria’s land area, the REZs require less than 1% for infrastructure such as turbines, solar panels, and access roads. The plan is expected to support 67,000 jobs by 2040, foster new industries, and enhance economic growth. VicGrid estimates that failing to implement the plan could jeopardize energy security, raise costs, and result in a €9.6 billion economic loss over 30 years.

Industry input emphasized the need for zones to support technically and commercially viable renewable projects. A six-week consultation period will allow landholders, communities, and Traditional Owners to provide further input before the REZs are finalized, ensuring a collaborative approach to the energy transition.

The plan aims to strengthen Victoria’s energy infrastructure by connecting renewable energy sources to the grid efficiently. By prioritizing community engagement and sustainable development, VicGrid seeks to deliver reliable, cost-effective energy while supporting regional economies and minimizing environmental impacts. The 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan represents a significant step toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future for the state.