Renewable energy & transmission

The Wimmera region has some of the best wind resources in the country and renewable energy is a key potential driver of growth for the region. However, it is widely recognised that poor transmission infrastructure is a key barrier to realising these benefits.

WiRES will deliver a coordinated transmission solution for the region, avoiding poorly planned connections, and enabling the connection of multiple energy generation projects along a single transmission corridor between Warracknabeal and Bulgana.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has identified that 10,000 km of new transmission will be needed to connect renewable developments and efficiently deliver firmed renewable energy to consumers needed for Australia to meet its sustainable energy targets.

WiRES will incorporate a 1 GW battery energy storage system (BESS), one of the largest in Australia, providing power when Victoria needs it.

Batteries will play a vital and increasing role in the transmission networks that power Australia’s clean energy future. With capacity to power homes and businesses on demand and manage the variability of renewable energy sources, the BESS is an important part of the WiRES project.

Its proposed location near Warracknabeal will ensure the Wimmera is well-positioned to support Victoria’s transition to renewable energy.

WiRES has undertaken extensive early engineering studies to understand the facts around underground construction. Our studies have shown that this approach could cost 5-10 times more than overhead transmission (subject to ecological and engineering investigations). Such a large cost would ultimately make this project unfeasible, and the benefits for the Wimmera would be lost.

There are many reasons why overhead was chosen as the preferred design solution for WiRES, including cost.

Other key reasons include:
 

• Environmental impact – overhead is able to span sensitive ecological features 
• Existing and future land use – overhead better integrates with agricultural land uses 
• Ongoing maintenance requirements – finding and addressing faults is simpler when infrastructure is visible
• Time to deliver WiRES – underground construction requires specialised labour, as well as specialised cable, which can add several years in procurement and construction. 

WiRES transmission line will have the capacity to connect 2 GW of renewable energy projects to the existing Victorian transmission network, providing enough green energy to power more than 10% of all Victoria’s needs.

WiRES will also include one of Australia’s largest batteries, a 1 GW installation that will provide clean energy when its needed. 

Construction of the above ground transmission line is many years away. The WiRES team is prioritising engagement with the landowners and the local community so that the project can reflect the best outcome for the Wimmera. In addition to understanding regional concerns and opportunities, WiRES will also undergo a rigorous planning and approvals process, field investigations and technical assessments.

Based on the above feedback and reports, the WiRES project team will be able to best inform the construction methodology schedule. More information about impacts and timelines will be provided closer to the start of construction. As the construction schedule is finalised, the project team will be out to talk to the community, landholders and key stakeholders about any potential impacts in more detail.

WiRES will engage meaningfully with the communities that are impacted by the transmission line.

To do this, we will: 

• continue to provide accurate and timely information 
• listen to your feedback and explain how it is being considered
• hold regular drop-in sessions in hosting communities and establish local project offices
• provide multiple avenues for feedback – including public exhibitions, digital engagement, contact numbers
• provide genuine opportunities to engage and be clear on what is negotiable and non-negotiable.