Marinus Link granted Australia’s first offshore transmission licence

Marinus Link has been granted the first Transmission and Infrastructure Licence (TIL) under Australia’s new offshore infrastructure regime, marking the final Commonwealth approval leading into construction.

The licence follows approval under the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 obtained last year.

Marinus Link Pty Ltd CEO Stephanie McGregor said the licence was a significant step forward for both Marinus Link and Australia’s broader energy transition.

“The Transmission and Infrastructure licence is one of the final permits ahead of construction, allowing electricity to be transmitted through Commonwealth waters and providing protection over the subsea cable route,” Ms McGregor said.

“It is the first TIL granted under the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act 2021 – the national regime designed to support offshore renewable energy and transmission infrastructure in Commonwealth waters.”

“We’ve worked collaboratively with the registrar in supporting the new framework, and we’re proud to have helped pave the way for the emerging offshore electricity sector.”

MLPL will now progress its design notification and develop a management plan setting out how activities will be safely and responsibly managed from construction and operation through to maintenance, repair and eventual decommissioning.

“As part of developing our management plan, we will undertake an engagement process, including with First Peoples, marine users, relevant government agencies and coastal communities.”

Preparatory works on Marinus Link commenced this year, with construction to ramp up over the coming months.

Further information

• The Transmission and Infrastructure licence was granted by Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Josh Wilson MP, under the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act 2021 (OEI Act).
• The licence authorises the construction, installation, operation, maintenance, repair and decommissioning of Marinus Link’s offshore subsea cables and associated fibre-optic infrastructure.
• The OEI also provides for safety and protection zones, preventing vessel anchoring or commercial damage to subsea power cables once installed.
• Commonwealth waters begin three nautical miles from the coastline, beyond State waters.
• The licence is in place until 2090.