• July 2025
  • NSA Project Case Study | Energy | Networks

Key Assignment Details

Title 

Enabling Market Entry with Strategic Clarity – Iberdrola’s VNI West Project

Client 

Iberdrola Australia

Organisation(s) 

North Star Associates

Industry Sectors

Energy

Advisory Services 

Strategy & Leadership 

Development, Investment & Finance

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Context

As one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies, Iberdrola Australia sought to expand its presence in Victoria through participation in the VNI West transmission infrastructure program – a pivotal an ISP ‘actionable’ project led by AEMO to reinforce electricity transmission between Victoria and New South Wales.

To navigate this opportunity effectively, Iberdrola required experienced advisory support to shape its market entry strategy, identify pathways for participation, and engage with key industry and regulatory stakeholders.

Clarifying the Challenge

Entering a regulated and rapidly evolving transmission infrastructure market posed significant challenges for Iberdrola:

  • Limited local experience in Australian regulated transmission delivery
  • Unclear engagement pathways with AEMO, VicGrid, and other critical agencies.
  • High commercial risk without a targeted and informed go-to-market strategy.

Without a nuanced understanding of the policy landscape and investment frameworks, Iberdrola risked missing a generational opportunity to participate in shaping the future grid.

Empowering a Solution

North Star Associates provided tailored business and project development advisory grounded in real-world infrastructure leadership. Leveraging deep experience in energy transitions and stakeholder networks, we:

  • Devised a market entry strategy aligning Iberdrola’s capabilities with the evolving needs of the VNI West Development Plan.
  • Conducted stakeholder mapping and engagement planning with key market bodies (AEMO, VicGrid, regulatory authorities).
  • Delivered strategic input into project positioning and investment evaluation, ensuring alignment with broader energy systems objectives.
  • Provided executive advisory on governance, commercial models, and risk pathways relevant to greenfield transmission development.

Delivering Outcomes

Through NSA’s strategic guidance, Iberdrola was able to:

  • Build confidence in a viable path to market participation, tailored to the regulatory environment.
  • Establish early alignment with program stakeholders, improving credibility and project visibility.
  • Refine its investment thesis and commercial narrative for VNI West engagement.
  • Lay a foundation for future expansion into Australian regulated infrastructure markets.

This engagement enabled Iberdrola to move from a position of uncertainty to one of strategic readiness and proactive influence within one of Victoria’s most critical energy infrastructure programs.

Reflections

Our ability to combine policy literacy, infrastructure delivery experience, and strategic foresight positioned Iberdrola to seize a once-in-a-generation opportunity in Australia’s transmission future. 

For emerging and global players looking to establish a foothold in Australia’s energy market, North Star Associates’ market entrant strategy and infrastructure leadership advisory provides the clarity, credibility, and confidence needed to act.

Let’s explore how we can support your journey into new infrastructure frontiers together.

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Client Testimonials

"North Star Associates is always our ‘go to’ advisory for big and challenging opportunities"
R.D.S.A
Executive General Manager - Networks
"Malcolm's proactive nature meant that he supports our project across a broad range of the project workstreams and always endeavoured to provide insight from lived experiences"
T.M
Commercial Manager - Networks
"Malcolm’s knowledge and expertise gave us confidence navigating complex infrastructure proposals"
C.S
Executive Manager - ESG & Approvals
"North Star Associates' open mindset and collaborative approach are invaluable. Their support fosters team growth and adapts seamlessly to our needs."
D.A.L.O
General Manager - Network Development
"Malcolm gives you peace of mind in all aspects - his knowledge, his diligence, and he also takes care of the people he works with, making it a pleasure to work with him"
M.L
Senior Investment Analysis
"North Star Associates are exemplary advisors in the electricity transmission space"
M.W
General Manager - Networks Regulation & Compliance
"Working with North Star Associates, and particularly Malcolm Tinkler, has been a transformative experience for our project. Malcolm's strategic vision and leadership during the ITT phase were crucial to our bid's success. We highly recommend North Star Associates for their exceptional expertise and commitment to excellence"
M.N
Power Systems Manager