Friday May 16, 2025
The Victorian Government has released its first big plan for getting more of the state’s energy from renewable sources like wind and solar. The Victorian Transmission Plan (VTP) – currently in draft form and open for public consultation – is VicGrid’s long-term strategy to make sure the right infrastructure is in the right place at the right time. It’s an essential plan as dirty, unreliable, costly coal-fired power stations close down and more renewable power is needed to keep electricity affordable, reliable, secure and sustainable for everyone.
The plan identifies seven proposed regions (collectively covering 7 percent of the state) most suitable for new onshore wind, solar farm and battery storage development over the next 15 years known as Renewable Energy Zones (REZs). VTP gives investors certainty while balancing considerations such as the impact on local communities, landholders and First Nations peoples.
These are the draft REZs prepared for public consultation:
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Central Highlands
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Central North
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Gippsland (This refers to the onshore Gippsland REZ, which is separate from the Gippsland Shoreline REZ)
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North West
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South West
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Grampians Wimmera
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Wimmera Southern Mallee
VTP also includes a separate proposed Gippsland Shoreline REZ, specifically designed to host onshore connection infrastructure for offshore wind generation.
Experts Available for Comment:
Greg Bourne, Climate Councillor and energy expert
To arrange interviews, please contact the Climate Council media team: 0485 863 063, [email protected]
Topics: Community benefits of renewables, effective community consultation, regional renewables and transmission.
Location: Sydney, Gadigal Country, NSW
"Renewable energy zones are key to building out the critical connections between projects and transmission infrastructure across the state. Australia is in the midst of modernising its grid, and these zones will be vital to keeping the lights on as our ageing coal-fired power stations retire.
“Victoria knows it has some of the highest energy prices in the country and is proactively looking to remedy this through deep electrification efforts to upgrade its electricity system, boost the state's renewable generation and capacity, and improve energy efficiency.
"These initiatives will see more Victorian homes and businesses benefit from more affordable, reliable, and cleaner renewable energy from the sun and wind, backed by storage. Community investment into these zones also deliver lasting benefits like good jobs and upgrades to essential infrastructure and services in communities."
Andrew Bray, National Director RE-Alliance
0457 451 867 (Cait Coffey-Wong, media contact)
Topics: Community benefits of renewables, effective community consultation, regional renewables
Location: Bungendore, Ngarigo country, NSW
“The release of the Victorian Transmission Plan finally gives Victorians some welcome certainty but the key will be engagement. This plan needs to be well communicated so communities understand how energy projects can be rolled out in the places they live.”
Stephanie Bashir, Principal Nexa Advisory
0402 060 120
Topics: Transmission, energy transition, consumer impact, energy investment
Location: Melbourne, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung country, VIC
“Victorians deserve clean, cheap energy – and renewable developers are lining up to build it. There is over 16GW pipeline of proposed onshore wind and solar projects, as well as 5 GW of proposed battery projects – and that’s not even including the various offshore wind development projects that have received feasibility licences.
“But none of it will happen without an overarching plan and clear planning approval processes for transmission and renewable projects from the Victorian Government. These will be crucial to ensuring reliability after the closure of Yallourn coal fire power station.
“Victoria has seen ongoing transmission delays and associated cost increases – including from VNI West, which has seen a 23% cost increase in recent years. This is now not expected to be delivered before 2031, well after Yallourn closes.”