Marinus Link 'critical' to latest national grid plan

Marinus Link, the planned electricity and telecommunications interconnector between Tasmania and Victoria, has been classified as critical to achieving net zero in a conclusive report released by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

AEMO’s final 2024 Integrated System Plan (ISP), which provides the optimal plan for meeting Australia’s future energy needs, shows Marinus Link remains part of the lowest-cost pathway to a net zero economy.

Marinus Link CEO Caroline Wykamp welcomed the final 2024 ISP findings. “In consecutive updates to this national grid plan, Marinus continues to feature as ‘actionable’ and ‘urgent’,” she said.

“The ISP calls for large increases in energy storage to ensure energy security and reliability, which Marinus Link will be key to delivering.”

Wykamp added that Marinus Link would unlock Tasmania’s massive hydropower storage capacity, which is approximately 30,000 times that of the Victoria Big Battery.

According to the ISP, up to 90% of the National Electricity Market’s coal-fired power stations are projected to retire before 2035, and the entire fleet before 2040. The report noted that actionable projects must be delivered urgently to provide the best outcomes in energy security, reliability and affordability for homes and businesses.

“After AEMO’s thorough engagement process including expert submissions and consumer feedback, Marinus has again been recognised as key to Australia’s clean energy future,” Wykamp said.

AEMO is responsible for operating Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM) in the best interests of Australian energy consumers.

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