The Victorian Government has fast tracked the approval of Elgin Energy‘s proposed 330MW Barwon Solar Farm near Geelong.
Related article: Victoria shuts off solar farms until they mow the grass
Also proposed for the site is a 250MW Battery Energy Storage System, with the ability to meet evening peak demand needs for more than 86,000 homes.
The Barwon Solar Farm has been made possible through financial backing from the Albanese Labor Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme.
Prior to this fast-tracked pathway, more than one in five renewable energy project applications ended up stuck in VCAT despite most projects being approved eventually— often delaying them by up to two years.
Victorian Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said, “Fast tracking renewable energy projects like this one means we can deliver more Victorians cheaper and cleaner power sooner.”
Related article: FRV acquires 190MW Axedale solar and storage project
Victorian Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio commented, “We need to bring even more renewable energy projects online to ensure more Victorians can access cheaper and cleaner power—helping us get to our 95% renewable energy by 2035.”
