Premier Jacinta Allan has launched Victoria’s new China Strategy in Beijing, announcing a landmark renewable energy partnership set to deliver cheaper and cleaner power to thousands of homes across the state.
Premier Allan launched the China Strategy alongside members of Victoria’s Chinese community in Beijing. She said the plan sets a five-year roadmap to attract investment, boost regional growth, and deliver clean energy security.
“China is the world’s clean energy superpower, installing 100 solar panels every second – and Victoria is benefiting,” Ms Allan said.
“My China Strategy is all about investments like these that cut our bills, lower emissions and create new jobs.”
The Allan Labor Government has given the green light to a $453 million battery energy storage system in North-East Victoria, backed by Chinese renewable energy giant Trina Solar.
The 500-megawatt Kiewa Valley project, located near Dederang Terminal Station, will be capable of powering up to 172,000 homes annually.
The project, which creates 80 construction jobs and six ongoing roles, has been fast-tracked through the Government’s Development Facilitation Program. Conditions require strict management of bushfire risk, noise and visual impacts.
More than $5 billion worth of renewable energy projects have already been accelerated under the facilitation program, with the potential to power 570,000 households and provide battery storage to meet peak demand for 1.3 million homes.
Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny said the Government was “fast-tracking decisions on renewable energy projects like this one to provide cheaper, cleaner energy for more Victorians,” while Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio added that the project supports the state’s transition to 95 per cent renewable energy by 2035.
The partnership underscores Victoria’s ambition to become the first port of call for Chinese investors and innovators, ensuring economic stability and growth even in a volatile global environment.
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