Victoria rolls out a renewable energy action plan with REZs, storage and transmission upgrades to fast-track the switch to 95 percent clean power by 2035.

Victoria has published the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan (VTP), detailing renewable energy zones (REZs) and transmission upgrades that are essential to the state's transition to clean energy.

The VTP details how it intends to hit the 65 percent target by 2030, 95 percent by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2045. It also shows substantial investment in renewable energy generation, energy storage, and transmission in place of coal power.

State Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio praised the plan as a significant milestone in Victoria's renewable energy transition, emphasizing that the strategy will prioritize community voices and regional development.

VTP indicates six proposed REZs, including Gippsland and the Western and Central Highlands, where offshore wind development leads the list of priorities. Industry sources observe that the plan contains up to 9 GW of offshore wind, 8.9 GW of solar, and massive storage schemes by 2040.

However, there are still some obstacles to overcome. Environmental approvals and planning have not been simplified, and the cost of new transmission projects has increased more than 50% in the last two years. Experts say speedier approvals are necessary to bring around renewable energy projects on time.

The VTP further establishes a community fund for energy, which will involve supporting local projects in regions where there are REZs to improve local supply, affordability, and efficiency.

VicGrid will manage procurement of future transmission projects so that they are flexible and affordable, minimizing consumer cost. New plans will be issued after every four years to accommodate changes in technology and energy demand.

This is an important initiative to cement Victoria in its renewable energy future even though there are challenges in project delivery.