Premier Jacinta Allan has approved two major renewable energy projects to help drive down power bills for Victorians and boost clean energy supply across the state.
Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny has greenlit a 332-megawatt solar farm at Meadow Creek near Wangaratta and a large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) in Hazelwood under the Development Facilitation Program (DFP), a fast-track process designed to deliver cheaper, cleaner energy projects.
Minister Kilkenny said, “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.”
Since the DFP was expanded to include renewable energy last year, the Labor Government has unlocked over $7.8 billion in investment across 22 projects, creating more than 3,000 construction and operational jobs. Collectively, these projects will generate enough power to supply more than 700,000 homes annually, with battery storage systems capable of meeting peak evening demand for 1.8 million households.
The Meadow Creek solar farm will produce enough electricity to power 140,000 homes, while the 250-megawatt battery will support peak demand for around 85,000 homes. The project will create over 400 construction jobs and 60 ongoing roles once operational.
In Hazelwood, Eku Energy’s 300-megawatt BESS will power 104,000 homes during high-demand periods, creating 150 jobs during construction and five ongoing positions.
Both project proponents engaged with local communities and agencies such as the Country Fire Authority, Agriculture Victoria, DEECA, and regional water authorities.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio added, “These projects will provide tens of thousands of Victorian households with cheaper and cleaner energy – creating more than 500 jobs in the process.”
Victoria’s renewable energy sector is projected to employ more than 67,000 workers by 2040 — more than double its current size — delivering long-term benefits for regional areas through new jobs and local business opportunities.
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