# Australian Government Approves Marinus Link Licence

The Australian Government has granted the first Transmission and Infrastructure Licence under the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act 2021 to the Marinus Link project, a nearly 350 km undersea electricity cable connecting Tasmania and Victoria. This federal approval, finalized in September 2026, authorizes electricity transmission through Commonwealth waters and clears a critical regulatory hurdle ahead of construction. The project aims to enhance renewable energy integration by linking Tasmania's hydropower resources with the mainland grid, supporting economic growth and job creation despite ongoing environmental and cost debates.

- The licence enables construction to proceed, signaling procurement opportunities in offshore electricity infrastructure and related renewable energy sectors.
- Procurement professionals should note the involvement of multiple government levels, including federal, Tasmania, and Victoria governments, indicating potential collaboration and regulatory complexity.
- The project supports local employment and investment in renewable energy, suggesting demand for contractors specializing in subsea cable installation, transmission infrastructure, and environmental compliance.
- The recent $1.2 billion North West Transmission Development upgrade in Tasmania complements this initiative, highlighting a broader regional focus on transmission modernization and renewable integration.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 25, 2026

### Government Entities
- Australian Government
- Tasmania Government
- Victoria Government

### Key Quotes
> Being connected is good. It will mean that Tasmania can have access to cheaper renewables that are present in the national energy market on the mainland side, and it will mean that the mainland can benefit from the deep storage that is derived from Tasmania’s status as the hydropower king.
> — Josh Wilson, Federal Assistant Minister for Energy

> The project will support hundreds of local jobs during construction and create long-term economic opportunities by attracting investment in renewable energy and related industries.
> — Anne Urquhart, Member for Braddon

> 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.
> — Stephanie McGregor, CEO, Marinus Link PL

### Sources
- [Controversial Marinus Link notches up an "offshore electricity" first for Australia as it clears final federal hurdle](https://reneweconomy.com.au/controversial-marinus-link-notches-up-an-offshore-electricity-first-for-australia-as-it-clear-final-federal-hurdle/amp) - Renew Economy