Marinus Link Will Help Tasmania's Energy

Topic: Electricity Production

Mon 22 Jun 2026 at 5:24pm

Saul Eslake defended Marinus Link in a new report for Clean Energy Tasmania.

In short:

A new report by Saul Eslake backed Marinus Link as a good investment for Tasmania's energy.

It follows a report that said the business case for the project is not good due to new technology and market changes.

What's next?

The Tasmanian government says Mr Eslake's report confirms the project will create jobs and lower energy prices.

The Marinus Link project will help Tasmania's energy security and create jobs.

The report by Saul Eslake follows another analysis that said the business case for Marinus Link is not good.

Climate Change Authority chair Matt Kean questioned the project's viability.

Firmus is building a green AI campus in Launceston powered by Tasmanian energy.

Mr Eslake said Marinus Link is still a good project for Tasmania and Australia.

Tasmania's cool climate and renewable energy make it a good place for AI data centres.

Prospective energy investors will have more confidence in Tasmania when Marinus Link is built.

Tasmania has a problem because it needs more energy to attract new businesses.

At the same time, new energy sources are not investing in Tasmania because they are not sure if there will be demand.

The last new electricity generation in Tasmania was the Granville Harbour Wind Farm in 2020.

Marinus Link will provide a 750-megawatt cable between Tasmania and the National Electricity Market.

The electricity interconnector between Tasmania and Victoria will strengthen Australia's energy grid.

Tasmania's current interconnector to the mainland failed in 2015, causing an energy crisis.

Costs for Marinus Link have increased, attracting criticism over transparency.

Stage one of Marinus Link is expected to be completed by 2030.

Construction is starting for the Marinus Link project in South Gippsland, Victoria.

An outlet for energy sell-off if Liberty Bell Bay fails

Mr Eslake acknowledged the project has its faults.

The government hasn't done a good job of selling the project.

The business case documents have been heavily redacted.

Despite the costs, Mr Eslake said the project is necessary to avoid power shortages.

Tasmania will benefit from the project, with a return on its investment.

Marinus Link will provide an outlet for energy to be sold to Victorian consumers.

The cable will run undersea for 255 kilometres and 90 kilometres underground.

Marinus Link chief stakeholder Claire Gleghorn said the project has already delivered benefits.

Locals are employed, and Tasmanian businesses have contracts.

But energy researchers are split on the project's merits.

A report published last week said the project would impose large costs on consumers and taxpayers.

The economic rationale for deep storage of Tasmania's hydro-electricity no longer holds up.

The water from Tasmania's Lake Gordon generates hydro-electricity.

Mr Eslake said batteries will not provide energy on viable terms for the foreseeable future.

Tasmania's unique advantages in generating and storing hydro-electricity can be exploited.

Tasmanians will get cheaper electricity by importing wind and solar from Victoria.

Tasmanian Energy Minister Nick Duigan said Mr Eslake's report confirms the project's benefits.

The Tasmanian government approved the project last August.

Marinus Link says the project will generate jobs in Tasmania and Victoria.

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