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 332-megawatt solar farm in Meadow Creek, and a battery energy storage system (BESS) in Hazelwood through the Development Facilitation Program (DFP) - a pathway that is fast-tracking cheaper and cleaner energy projects.
Since the DFP was expanded to include renewable energy projects last year, the Labor Government has unlocked more than $7.8 billion worth of investment across 22 projects that will create more than 3,000 new jobs in construction and operations.
Once completed, these 22 projects will collectively generate enough power for more than 700,000 households annually - with the battery storage capable of meeting evening peak demand for 1.8 million households.
Meadow Creek's solar farm near Wangaratta would be able to power around 140,000 homes, while the 250-megawatt BESS will have the capacity to meet peak evening demand for approximately 85,000 homes. More than 400 hundred jobs will be created during construction and an additional 60 roles once operations commence.
Eku Energy's 300-megawatt BESS in Hazelwood will have the capacity to power 104,000 homes during times of high demand and create 150 jobs during construction, with five ongoing once operational.
Proponents for both projects were required to undertake consultation with the community and relevant government agencies including the Country Fire Authority, Agriculture Victoria, DEECA and local water authorities.
Victoria's energy workforce is projected to grow to over 67,000 workers in 2040 - more than doubling the size of the industry, with many of the ongoing benefits in regional Victoria, including new jobs and local business growth.
The Labor Government's record investments in renewable energy means Victoria consistently has the lowest wholesale power prices in the country - bringing online even more renewable energy will ensure prices stay low into the future.
As stated by Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny
"Our fast-tracked pathway has unlocked nearly $8 billion worth of investment into renewable energy projects - helping provide cheaper and cleaner energy to hundreds of thousands of Victorian households."
As stated by Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio
"These projects will provide tens of thousands of Victorian households with cheaper and cleaner energy - creating more than 500 jobs in the process."
