This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
CONSTRUCTION is set to go ahead on Victoria’s largest solar farm, with the state government giving the green light for the Hazelwood North Solar Farm in the Latrobe Valley.
The $651 million Hazelwood North Solar Farm will be a 450-megawatt capacity facility that is set to power around 150,000 homes across Victoria and prevent an estimated 700,000 tonnes of emissions.
The approval also includes a provision for a large 450 megawatt, 4-hour battery energy storage facility that will store cheap solar power during the day and feed it into to the grid when needed.
“The approval of the Hazelwood North Solar Farm will strengthen Victoria’s renewable energy industry and provide cheaper, cleaner power to thousands of homes,” said Sonya Kilkenny, minister for planning.
The project will generate around 500 construction jobs and in the Latrobe Valley region.
“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.
While the construction plan also includes native vegetation landscaping bordering the site to integrate the facility visually into its surrounds.
In Melbourne’s inner west, offshore renewable energy developer HD Renewable Energy Co recently acquired an industrial site at 34-40 Cawley Road, Yarraville for $9.20 million.
The Hazelwood North solar farm will support the state’s target of 65% renewable energy by 2030 and 95% by 2035.
With the 2035 target estimated to create 59,000 jobs, deliver $9.5 billion in economic development and align with Victoria’s target to hit net-zero emissions by 2045.
“As our transition to renewable energy continues across the Latrobe Valley, we’re supporting another valuable project that will boost cheap energy, and support jobs and economic growth for communities across the region,” said Harriet Shing, member for Easter Victoria.