Government of Victoria Decides on Energy Zones for Renewable Sources

The Victorian government has published its final 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan, outlining a comprehensive strategy to connect renewable energy projects across the state. One of the key areas of focus is the Gippsland Shoreline Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), located in the region's south, near Woodside and Giffard, and between the coastline and the South Gippsland Highway.

In July 2024, the Australian government granted feasibility licences for twelve potential projects within the Gippsland REZ declared area. The proposed Gippsland Shoreline REZ is a designated area for connecting renewable energy infrastructure, which is part of the broader plan to connect six REZs across Victoria. These zones are located in the South West, Central Highlands, Central North, Gippsland, North West, and West.

The Victorian government has set ambitious renewable energy generation targets. By 2032, the state aims to generate at least 2 GW, increasing to 4 GW by 2035, and reaching 9 GW by 2040. The plan sets out transmission network upgrades needed from 2025 to 2040 to support these targets.

VicGrid, a key organization responsible for connecting the six REZs across Victoria, will oversee the planning of the shared transmission infrastructure needed to connect the renewable energy projects outlined in the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan to the grid. The plan proposes upgrades to transmission lines in the Portland area to be carried out in the 2030s.

The Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation and the Wellington Shire local government area are within the boundaries of the Gippsland Shoreline REZ. The plan's implementation will have significant implications for these communities, as well as the broader region.

In February 2025, a feasibility licence was awarded in the Southern Ocean declared area, further demonstrating the Victorian government's commitment to renewable energy development. The organization responsible for planning the joint transmission infrastructure needed to connect future projects of the "ourweb" industry to the power grid is the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur, BNetzA) in Germany.

As Victoria moves towards a renewable energy future, the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan provides a roadmap for sustainable development and growth. The implementation of this plan will not only help Victoria meet its ambitious renewable energy targets but also create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and contribute to a more sustainable future for all Victorians.