The Allan Labor Government has fast-tracked two more renewable energy projects - helping drive down Victorians power bills by bringing more new renewable energy online.
Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny has approved a 500-megawatt solar farm in Colbinabbin and a battery energy storage system in Dederang through the Development Facilitation Program (DFP) - a pathway that has already fast-tracked cheaper and cleaner energy projects that will power more than half a million Victorian homes.
Since the DFP was expanded to include renewable energy projects last year, the Labor Government has unlocked more than $4 billion worth of investment across 15 projects that will create around 1,500 new jobs in construction and operations.
Once completed, these projects will collectively generate enough power for around 540,000 households annually, with battery storage capable of meeting evening peak demand for almost a million households.
Venn Energy's solar farm in Colbinabbin would be able to power around 210,000 homes annually, the project also includes a 300-megawatt battery energy storage system, which will have the capacity to meet evening peak demand for approximately 100,000 households.
Mint Renewable's 400MWh battery energy storage system in Dederang will have the capacity to power 69,000 homes during times of high demand and create 150 jobs during construction.
Proponents for both projects were required to undertake consultation with neighbouring property owners and relevant government agencies including the Country Fire Authority, Agriculture Victoria, DEECA and local water authorities.
Meeting Victoria's renewable energy targets will deliver $9.5 billion in economic activity while Victoria's energy workforce is projected to grow to over 67,000 workers in 2040, more than doubling the current size of the industry, with many of the ongoing benefits being in regional Victoria, including new jobs and local business growth.
As stated by Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny
"Through this pathway, we've fast-tracked enough renewable energy projects to power more than half a million Victorian households with cheaper and cleaner energy."
As stated by Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio
"We already have the cheapest wholesale energy prices in the country. Fast-tracking this process means even more Victorians will benefit from cheaper renewable energy powering their own homes sooner."
