AER initial draft decision and revised proposal for Stage 1, Part B (Construction costs)
We are taking a two-step approach in making a determination for Marinus Link Pty Ltd's (MLPL) Stage 1, Part B (construction costs) revenue proposal, to support consumer engagement and the timely delivery of Project Marinus. This includes an initial draft decision limited to two market tested work programs published on 16 May 2025, with the remaining cost elements assessed in a supplementary draft decision.
We held a public forum on our initial draft decision on 27 May 2025. The presentation is available on our website as well as stakeholder submissions in response to the initial draft decision.
On 15 July 2025, Marinus Link submitted its revised proposal, with the public version released for consultation on 11 August 2025. Due to ongoing competitive tender processes, publication of some elements of the revised revenue proposal would provide tenderers with market-sensitive information; consequently, this information has been redacted.
The AER considers it important that stakeholders have an opportunity to view this information to ensure transparent consultation and to support stakeholders to inform the AER’s final decision through submissions.
Consequently, we are reconsidering the appropriate timing of important milestones, including the AER’s supplementary draft and final decisions and consultation period, to ensure stakeholders have opportunity to review and comment on key elements of the revised revenue proposal.
The timing of these milestones will be informed by MLPL’s ongoing tendering process, including when costs for balance of works, risk allowance and support activities can be published for consultation. We will continue to work with MLPL and stakeholders as the project progresses.
MLPL request for concurrent assessment of feedback loop and revised commencement and process paper
On 21 May 2025, MLPL wrote to the AER requesting a revised approach to the expectations set in our commencement and process paper. The letter and the AER's response are available on our website.
On 30 October 2024, MLPL wrote to the AER requesting amendments to the commencement and process paper. On 3 December 2024, the AER decided to amend the determination process and publish the revised commencement and process paper.
Revenue proposal
On 29 November 2024 Marinus Link submitted its Stage 1, Part B (construction costs) revenue proposal to the AER.
We published an issues paper on 21 March 2025 and held an online public forum on 3 April 2025. Responses to queries raised during the online public forum are also available on our website.
Stakeholder submissions on Marinus Link's Stage 1, Part B (construction costs) proposal and our issues paper closed on 18 April 2025 and are available on our website.
Background
The proposed Marinus Link interconnector will comprise two 750 MW high voltage direct current (HVDC) cables running 255km undersea and 90km underground HVDC cables between Burnie, Tasmania and Latrobe Valley, Victoria.