Marinus Link one step closer to construction

Marinus Link, the proposed undersea and underground electricity and data interconnector between North West Tasmania and Victoria’s Latrobe Valley, is one step closer to construction following the signing of an agreement between Marinus Link Pty Ltd (MLPL) and global science-based consultancy and advisory company Jacobs.

Jacobs has a background in delivering major energy infrastructure, including high-voltage direct current (HVDC) projects such as Marinus Link.

The agreement will enable MLPL to rapidly ramp up its project delivery team and systems in preparation for construction, pending a Final Investment Decision (FID) this year. All going well, construction is expected to commence in 2026.

“With our HVDC cables and converter technology secured, our agreement with Jacobs and our major civils tender well-advanced, we are in position to hit the ground running should we receive the necessary approvals,” said MLPL Interim CEO Collette Burke.

“Jacobs will integrate with and enhance our current MLPL workforce to create a unified high-performing team that combines international expertise, local capability and community ties.”

Patrick Hill, Jacobs President of Global Operations, said nations worldwide needed reliable, affordable and low-emission energy solutions.

“Jacobs, together with Marinus Link, will deliver a step-change to the Australian east coast electricity grid — increasing access to low-carbon energy sources in Tasmania to support the nation’s decarbonisation targets,” he said.

“This Integrated Delivery Partnership will allow Jacobs to mobilise global experience in capital project execution, utility infrastructure enhancement and future energy demand planning to assure delivery for this critical asset.”

Marinus Link is listed as a priority for decarbonisation on the Australian Government’s National Renewable Energy Priority List. It is also classified as urgent in the Australian Energy Market Operator’s optimal plan for the national grid.

“Our collaboration with Jacobs is pivotal to the successful delivery of this critical national energy infrastructure, which will bolster energy security, promote renewable energy investment and deliver tangible benefits to consumers in Tasmania, Victoria and the broader National Electricity Market,” Burke said.

The MLPL Board will deliver its final investment decision recommendation to shareholders for Stage 1 of the Marinus Link project on 31 May 2025, with shareholders likely to respond early in the second half of the year.

Image caption: MLPL Interim CEO Collette Burke signing the agreement with Patrick Hill, Jacobs President of Global Operations.