Marinus Link is a proposed 1500 megawatt capacity high voltage direct current (HVDC) electricity interconnector, to strengthen the connection between the Australian states of Tasmania and Victoria, on Australia's National Electricity Market. It involves approximately 250 km of subsea cables and approximately 90 km of underground land cables. Marinus Link will also incorporate significant optical fibre capacity for system control, with the remaining capacity available to strengthen telecommunications and data connectivity between the regions. Marinus Link will be supported by approximately 220 km of high voltage alternating current (HVAC) of proposed transmission developments in North West Tasmania, known as the North West Transmission Developments (NWTD). Collectively, Marinus Link and the North West Transmission Developments are known as Project Marinus. In October 2022, authorities pledged loans for the project, as well as supporting facilities such as pumped hydro in Tasmania. Role of TasNetworks TasNetworks owns, operates and maintains the electricity transmission and distribution network in Tasmania, delivering electricity supply to more than 295,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers, and also provides telecommunications and technology services. TasNetworks is wholly owned by the State of Tasmania and operates as a commercial business with assets of $3.5 billion. As the jurisdictional planner for the state of Tasmania, TasNetworks is progressing Marinus Link and supporting transmission developments. TasNetworks has established the subsidiary business Marinus Link Pty Ltd to progress Marinus Link. Background The first Bass Strait interconnector, Basslink, was constructed between 2003 and 2005, with a capacity rating of 630 MW. Basslink experienced a fault in December 2015, rendering it out of service for six months. The impact of this outage was further compounded by low water levels in Tasmania's hydroelectric power system. After the eventual restoration of service, the capacity rating of Basslink was reduced to 500 MW. In response to the resulting energy supply challenges, the Australian and Tasmanian governments commissioned a study into the feasibility of a second interconnector in April 2016. The study, often referred to as 'the Tamblyn Report', was conducted by Dr John Tamblyn, and was released in April 2017. The study built on a preliminary report released by governments in June 2016, and recommended that the Tasmanian Government develop a detailed business case for a second Tasmanian interconnector. Project timeline Initial Feasibility Report and Business Case Assessment Phase The Tasmanian Government, with support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) on behalf of the Australian Government, directed TasNetworks