Energy Connections

Grid connections in Victoria

Lumea is a licensed Transmission Network Service Provider (TNSP) in Victoria, providing end-to-end connection services from early technical development and connection agreements through to design, construction, energisation and ongoing operation of the connection assets.

Connecting to Victoria's transmission network

Lumea provides end-to-end grid connection services across Australia, working with customers from the early development of a connection through to delivery and ongoing operation. In Victoria, we support renewable energy projects, batteries, data centres and other large energy users, and operate parts of the Declared Shared Network (DSN) as a Declared Transmission System Operator (DTSO) and TNSP.

The Victorian process differs from other states where since 1 November 2025, VicGrid has managed transmission network planning, systems strength services and grid connections in Victoria, a role AEMO Victorian Planning previously held.

Why connect to the grid with Lumea

Choosing a trusted partner to support connecting your project to the grid is one of the biggest decisions in any energy project investment. Lumea has a portfolio of 80+ projects and 23GW across Australia’s transmission network. In Victoria, we already own and operate the connections behind some of the state’s largest wind, solar and battery projects.

Speed

We work meaningfully with stakeholders from the very beginning to make sure critical milestones are met. Lumea has achieved some of the fastest project registration times connecting a renewable project to the National Electricity Market.

Tailored Energy Grid Connection Solutions

We prioritise understanding our customers' unique needs and goals. With highly skilled engineers, asset and project managers, we provide tailored, commercially agile solutions, leaving more time for customers to focus on their core business.

Experience navigating approvals and NEM registration

Lumea has extensive experience navigating the technical approvals, NEM registration and commissioning process. By engaging early and working closely with customers, VicGrid, AEMO and other network service providers, we focus on resolving issues early and keeping critical connection milestones on track.

A proven track record in Victoria

Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub (MREH)

The Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub (MREH) at Plumpton is one of Australia's largest battery energy storage developments. Lumea was selected to deliver the high-voltage infrastructure connecting the project to Victoria's transmission network, including a new 500 kV substation and approximately 1.75 km of underground cable connecting into Sydenham Terminal Station. The project delivered Australia's first 500 kV underground cable and first 500 kV battery connection. Lumea designed and built the connection infrastructure and will continue to own and operate the assets, with the connection designed to support future expansion of the energy hub.

Deer Park Terminal Station

Deer Park Terminal Station was developed by Lumea as a 220/66 kV terminal station to support growing electricity demand in Melbourne’s west. The project was Lumea’s first competitive transmission win in Victoria and represented an important step in introducing greater choice in the delivery of Victorian contestable transmission infrastructure. Lumea designed and built the station, managed the associated planning and approvals, and continues to maintain the facility. As demand in Melbourne’s west has grown, Deer Park has developed into an increasingly important transmission hub, with further augmentation underway to increase capacity and support new customer connections and demand growth across the Powercor distribution network in Melbourne’s west.

The Victorian grid connection process

Connecting to Victoria's transmission network involves a number of steps, from understanding whether a connection is feasible through to construction, commissioning and energisation. Every project is different, and the pathway and timing will depend on the size, location and complexity of the connection.

VicGrid manages the Victorian transmission connection process, while Lumea works alongside customers to develop the connection solution and deliver the infrastructure needed to connect to the network.

1. Pre-feasibility

Developers investigate connection opportunities and assess project feasibility.

How Lumea helps: Early technical advice, high-level connection concepts, indicative cost estimates and optional early works arrangements.

2. Enquiry

VicGrid assesses connection options and works with proponents to develop project requirements.

How Lumea helps: Advice on project scoping and connection enquiry requirements.

3A. Pre-application (optional)

VicGrid assigns a dedicated project manager and provides more detailed analysis, location-specific network information and early modelling support.

How Lumea helps: Continued technical input and early works support to help prepare a stronger application.

3. Application

A formal application moves through VicGrid's assessment process.

How Lumea helps: Develops a connection solution and prepares a firm connection offer.

4. Contracts

Project agreements are negotiated and finalised.

How Lumea helps: Negotiates connection agreements and finalises scope, delivery and commercial terms.

5. Construction

Connection infrastructure is designed, built and commissioned.

How Lumea helps: Delivers contestable and non-contestable connection assets and coordinates outages and testing.

6. Completion

The connection is energised and handed into operation.

How Lumea helps: Supports final testing and energisation, then takes on the operation and maintenance of connection assets.

Renewable energy projects we’ve connected in Victoria

From wind and solar farms, to utilty-scale battery storage and new terminal station infrastructure, these are some of the Victorian connections Lumea has delivered and continues to operate.

Our VIC hub

Lumea has established a strong and growing presence in Victoria, connecting renewable generation, battery storage and other major energy users to the transmission network. Our Victorian portfolio includes Berrybank Wind Farm, Kiamal Solar Farm, Deer Park Terminal Station and the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub.

This experience gives us a strong understanding of Victoria’s transmission network, connection process and regulatory environment. As demand for new renewable generation, storage, data centres and other large loads grows, we are continuing to invest in the infrastructure and connections needed to support Victoria’s energy future.

Berrybank Wind Farm

Delivered both Stage 1 and 2 wind farm connections.

Lismore
282MW

Kiamal Solar Farm

One of Victoria's largest solar farms.

Ouyen, VIC
200MW

Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub (MREH)

First 500kV underground battery connection in Australia.

Plumpton, VIC
600MW/ 1600MWh

Deer Park Terminal Station

First competitive win by a non-incumbent in Victoria.

Ravenhall, VIC
220/66kV

Victorian Grid Connection FAQs

What is the Declared Shared Network (DSN)?

The DSN is Victoria’s shared high voltage transmission network. It’s operated by Declared Transmission System Operators (DTSOs) such as Lumea.

What is VicGrid’s role in Victorian grid connections?

VicGrid manages Victoria’s transmission connection process since 1 November 2025 and is the formal point of contact and lodgement for applicants.

Who should I contact first about a grid connection in Victoria?

Formal enquiries go through VicGrid. Lumea can help beforehand with early technical advice and indicative cost estimates.

Get in touch with our team.

Is the pre-application stage mandatory in Victoria?

No. It’s optional and it gives you more detailed analysis and early modelling support before you formally apply.

What is the difference between contestable and non-contestable works?

Contestable works, such as dedicated connection assets, can be delivered by a provider you choose. Non-contestable works must be delivered by the owner of the network you’re connecting to. Lumea delivers both.

What types of projects does Lumea connect in Victoria?

Wind, solar and hybrid generation, battery storage, data centres and large industrial loads. Lumea also builds, owns and operates greenfield bulk supply points and terminal stations in Victoria. See all Lumea projects for more information.