Wind and Solar
Project approvals
All new projects must meet environmental, cultural heritage and planning approvals before they can proceed.
The Australian Government on the 2 February 2024 released the Community Engagement Review and accepted in principle all its recommendations.
The Victorian Minister for Planning is the responsible authority for new planning permit applications of all energy generation facilities that are 1 megawatt or greater. This includes solar energy facilities. Learn more here.
The Victorian Minister for Planning is the responsible authority for new planning permit applications of all wind energy generation facilities that are 1 megawatt or greater. These applications are assessed against the local planning scheme to ensure they are affordable, environmentally friendly and beneficial for the local community. Learn more about the planning process here.
Local governments cannot approve or decline large scale renewable energy projects.
Traditional Owners have unique legal rights and interests across their Country. These include rights and interests under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic), Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic) and the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic).
Transmission Lines
Process for building transmission projects in Victoria
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) forecasts what is needed at a national level – and when – in its Integrated System Plan.
AEMO Victorian Planning (AVP) identifies the best project to meet the need through a cost-benefit analysis (the regulatory investment test for transmission), including a proposed location for the project.
AVP then runs a contestable procurement process to award a contract for the selected project’s design, construction, ownership and operation.
The successful proponent undertakes a detailed project design and relevant planning and environmental approvals, including determining a preferred project route.
Learn more about the process for planning and building transmission.
Who is Who?
The role of AEMO is to manage the electricity and gas systems and markets across Australia. They seek to promote the efficient investment in, and efficient operation and use of, gas and electricity for the long-term interests of Australian consumers in relation to price, quality, safety, reliability and security.
VicGrid coordinates the planning and development of Victoria’s Renewable Energy Zones and transmission infrastructure. It works with AEMO to identify network investments.
Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) is a new company created by AEMO Victorian Planning to progress the VNI West transmission project.
TCV is currently in the process of applying for a transmission licence in Victoria, which is a normal step for providers of electricity transmission infrastructure in the state.
A transmission licence enables the holder to transmit electricity and operate the transmission infrastructure, and will also support the land access, planning and environment approvals work.
Transgrid operates and manages the high voltage electricity transmission network in NSW and the ACT.
You can sign up for VNI West Project updates by TVC here.
Other organisations explained