New solar farm & battery projects in VIC approved for development

The Victorian Government is fast-tracking the delivery of two renewable energy projects in Bairnsdale as part of its commitment to reducing energy bills while providing reliable electricity to thousands of homes across Gippsland. 

Through the Development Facilitation Program (DFP), Elgin Energy was given the approval for its 85MW solar farm and 70MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Bairnsdale. The DFP is a pathway that has already accelerated energy projects that will power over half a million homes across the State. 

The Ballantine Solar Farm will have the capacity to power up to 36,000 homes annually while the BESS will have the capacity to meet evening peak demand for about 24,000 households. 

This renewable energy project is expected to create more than 170 jobs. 

“This approval reflects the ongoing success of the Development Facilitation Program – cutting red tape that will help cut down power bills faster,” Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said. 

“We consistently have the cheapest wholesale energy prices in the country and fast-tracking this process means even more Victorians will benefit from cheaper renewable energy sooner,” Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said. 

“The more low-cost electricity we produce, the cheaper it is for all of us,” Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said. 

Elgin Energy was required to undertake consultation with neighbouring properties as well as relevant government agencies including Country Fire Authority and Energy Safe Victoria, with Transport for Victoria and WorkSafe also given the opportunity to provide feedback. 

Since the DFP was expanded to include renewables last year, the Labor Government unlocked more than $4.9 billion worth of investment across 18 projects that will create 1,900 new jobs in construction and operations. 

Once all 18 projects are completed, they will be able to generate enough clean energy to power about 574,000 households a year, with battery storage capable of meeting evening peak demand for almost a million households. 

The State Government’s record investment in renewable energy means Victoria can consistently have the lowest wholesale power prices in Australia. 

Victoria has hit every climate and energy target it has set so far and is on track to meeting its renewable energy target of 95 per cent by 2035, delivering $9.5 billion in economic development and helping create 67,000 jobs by 2040. 

Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Renew Economy; Invest Victoria