General News
22 January, 2026
Power upgrade set to harness renewables
THE transition to renewable energy in Victoria’s south west has been boosted by the completion of the Mortlake Turn-In project, a critical transmission upgrade to strengthen the grid, unlock new renewable capacity and deliver real benefits for local communities.
VicGrid chief executive Alistair Parker said the project was part of a $480 million investment by the Victorian Government in 12 projects across the state to strengthen and modernise the grid, allowing more affordable and reliable renewable energy to flow to Victorian homes and businesses.
“Mortlake is a great example of how we’re working with industry to deliver the infrastructure we need for renewable energy, while creating jobs and economic benefits for regional communities,” he said.
The project was delivered by AusNet Services in partnership with Consolidated Power Projects Australia, working closely with the Victorian Government and VicGrid.
It was subject to Victorian Government social procurement requirements which ensure projects deliver social and economic outcomes whichbenefit the community.
AusNet market development manager Juinn Tao said AusNet was proud to have delivered the project in partnership with local communities.
“AusNet has exceeded its social procurement commitments, creating pathways for women, young people and apprentices to participate in Victoria’s renewable energy transition and supporting First Peoples businesses and social enterprises,” she said.
This commitment translated into tangible outcomes such as the contribution of 23 women in key roles spanning project management, construction, and design.
Ten apprentices gained hands-on experience building critical energy infrastructure and AusNet partnered with First Peoples businesses to deliver key components of the project, strengthening local capability.
The Mortlake Turn-In project connects a second 500 kilovolt transmission line to the Mortlake Terminal Station to improve network stability and boost generation capacity by up to 1.5 gigawatts, enough to power 800,000 homes, and creates a vital corridor for exporting renewable energy from Victoria’s south west.
The Victorian Government is investing in a range of technologies as part of its $480 million program to strengthen the grid.
These include transmission line upgrades, utility-scale battery storage and advanced grid-strength technology like synchronous condensers – large rotating machines which keep the system stable as more renewable energy flows.
Together, these projects are set to unlock more than 23 gigawatts of clean energy, enough to power 16 per cent of Victoria’s annual electricity needs, while delivering economic benefits and new opportunities for regional communities.
Visit VicGrid’s transmission projects web page to learn more about the projects underway across the state to deliver more renewable energy to Victorians.