What is Marinus Link?

Marinus Link is a proposed undersea and underground electricity and data interconnector between North West Tasmania and the Latrobe Valley in Victoria.  

The project includes high voltage direct current (HVDC) cables, fibre optic cables, a communications station, and converter stations at each end.

The project’s cables span 345 kilometres (km) – 255 km undersea across Bass Strait and 90 km underground in Gippsland, Victoria.

Marinus Link’s 1500 megawatt (MW) capacity is equal to the power supply for 1.5 million Australian homes and approximately three times the capacity of the existing Tasmania to Victoria interconnector, Basslink. 

Further information about Marinus Link can be found in our digital library, which includes factsheets, maps, and FAQs.

What will Marinus Link do?

Marinus Link will improve the connection between Tasmania and the national grid.

It will enable the flow of more electricity in both directions, delivering low-cost, reliable and clean energy for customers in the National Electricity Market (NEM).

With Marinus Link, Tasmania can import low-cost renewable energy, such as surplus solar, while reserving hydropower and storing the extra energy. Green hydropower can then be exported to the mainland grid when it is needed most to reduce the risk of blackouts.

Converter stations at each end will use advanced high-voltage direct current technology to stabilise and integrate more renewables into the grid.

Marinus Link’s fibre optic cables will increase the internet capacity between Tasmania and Victoria by 150 times.

Where is the project located?

From Heybridge, Tasmania, Marinus Link’s cables will cross Bass Strait, buried in the seabed. The cables will then cross the shore at Waratah Bay, about 3 km west of Sandy Point, and run underground north through South Gippsland into the Latrobe Valley.

Marinus Link includes two converter station sites at each end of the cables and a communications station in Waratah Bay.

The Tasmanian converter station will be located on the corner of the Bass Highway and Minna Road in Heybridge, Tasmania.  

The Victorian converter station will be located on Tramway Road, neighbouring the current Hazelwood terminal station in the Latrobe Valley.

When will the project be delivered?

Marinus Link will be delivered in two stages. Initially as a 750 MW project (Stage 1) with a second 750 MW link to follow at a later date (Stage 2).

Marinus Link is currently in planning and development, with Stage 1 construction expected to begin in 2026 and completed by 2030.