Victoria's government announced that construction is set to begin on the Hazelwood North Solar Farm, the largest in the state. The project has received planning approval for a 450-MW solar farm and a 450-MW four-hour battery energy storage system capable of storing 1,800 MWh.
Victoria Approves $651M Solar and Battery Project
The Victorian government has approved the construction of the state's largest solar farm, granting planning permission for a $651 million solar and battery energy storage project in the Latrobe Valley. The Hazelwood North Solar Farm — developed by family-owned Latrobe Valley company Manthos Investments and managed by Robert Luxmoore — will be constructed on a 1,100-hectare site between Morwell and Traralgon (roughly 150 kilometres east of Melbourne).
Victoria's Planning Minister, Sonya Kilkenny stated that the project will help the state achieve its renewable energy generation goals of 65% by 2030 and 95% by 2035. These targets are complemented by energy storage goals of at least 2.6 GW by the end of the decade and 6.3 GW by 2035.
Hazelwood North Solar Farm to Create 500 Jobs and Power 150,000 Homes
The AU$651 million (USD 433 million) project is anticipated to deliver a substantial economic boost to communities throughout the region with approximately 500 jobs expected to be created during the construction phase.
Image: Collected
The facility will generate over 700,000 MWh of clean electricity annually with a four-hour battery energy storage system ensuring a steady supply to the grid and supplying power to around 150,000 homes, thereby helping to reduce electricity costs for local residents and businesses and improving energy accessibility.
“The Latrobe Valley has been the home of Victoria’s energy generation for decades and our nation-leading targets are helping solidify its role in our renewable energy future – this project will deliver 500 local jobs and power 150,000 homes,” said Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Energy and Resources.
Preserving Agricultural Land While Promoting Sustainability
The project's design will enable ongoing agricultural activity on the site which is currently used for grazing and dryland cropping. The project supports Victoria's efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, aligns with Australia's international climate commitments and aids the state in transitioning from coal dependence.
“The panels will not present a risk to the livestock, and farming operations will not affect the efficiency of the solar facilities. Allowing agricultural activities to continue on the site represents best practice within the renewable energy industry and maximises the utility of the site.” the developer said.