After extensive engagement with landholders, the Wimmera Renewable Energy Solutions (WiRES) transmission project design has been updated to better meet local needs and minimise agricultural impacts.
Initially proposed as a dual monopole transmission line to run from near Warracknabeal to Bulgana, the latest WiRES configuration is a single monopole carrying two 330 kV circuits, capable of transmitting up to 2 GW of energy per year.
Head of Development, Michael Jones, explains the design change is consistent with the project’s philosophy to put community needs at the heart of planning.
“From the outset for WiRES, we have been clear that we will listen to landholder, stakeholder and community needs in developing the proposed transmission line,” he explained.
“This new project design reflects the priorities expressed in many discussions with landholders up and down the proposed route since the project was announced in 2024. It provides the best solution to avoid or minimise impacting existing agricultural activities.”
WiRES aims to connect the Wimmera’s significant developing renewable energy resources into the Victorian electricity grid at Bulgana. When constructed, it could deliver enough green energy to meet more than 10% of the state’s demand.
Apart from working collaboratively to optimise the project design, WiRES will deliver significant regional benefits to the Wimmera. These include host landholder payments, an innovative benefit offer for eligible neighbours, and a Regional Benefits Scheme of $750,000 per year, subject to Victorian Government policy direction.
Mr Jones says, “the benefits for the Wimmera region from WiRES are clear. In addition to payments and benefit schemes, this $700 million plus project will create jobs, increase economic activity, and support the emergence of a new, significant industry for future generations.”
For more information on WiRES, visit www.wiresco.com.au.