SEC Unveils Plans for Victoria’s First Publicly Owned Renewable Energy Park
The State Electricity Commission of Victoria (SEC) has announced an ambitious plan to develop the SEC Renewable Energy Park in Horsham, one of Australia’s first 100% publicly owned utility-scale renewable energy projects. This groundbreaking initiative demonstrates SEC’s commitment to delivering affordable, renewable, and reliable energy while empowering Victorians through public ownership of energy resources.
A Two-Phase Renewable Energy Project
The project, to be developed by OX2, will be completed in two stages:
Stage One: Construction of a 119MW solar facility with 212,000 photovoltaic (PV) panels. This installation will generate an impressive 242,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable energy annually.
Stage Two: Integration of a 100MW two-hour battery energy storage system (BESS), making this project one of the first in Australia to combine solar energy generation and storage with a single connection point.
The addition of the BESS will ensure energy output optimization, allowing renewable energy to be stored and supplied during peak demand periods, further enhancing grid reliability.
Impact on the Community and Environment
This renewable energy park is set to power 51,000 homes, significantly contributing to Victoria’s energy needs while offsetting 206,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
The project will also deliver extensive community and economic benefits:
Job Creation: An estimated 246 jobs will be created during construction, including 20 positions for apprentices, trainees, and cadets.
Community Support: The SEC will provide a $42,000 fund during the construction phase and an additional $70,000 annually once the park becomes operational.
Local Engagement: The project emphasizes best-practice engagement with First Peoples, creating opportunities for local suppliers and fostering community development.
Advancing Victoria’s Renewable Energy Goals
The Horsham project is a key part of the Victorian government’s broader energy storage and renewable energy targets, which include achieving at least 2.6GW of energy storage by 2030 and 6.3GW by 2035.
The SEC’s commitment extends beyond Horsham, with $1 billion earmarked for the development of 4.5GW of new renewable energy generation and storage. The initiative aligns with investments in Melbourne’s renewable energy hub, solidifying SEC’s pivotal role in shaping Victoria’s renewable energy future.
This project showcases the state’s vision for a sustainable and publicly owned energy sector, setting a benchmark for other regions to follow.
Source: This article is based on the original report, “SEC plans first publicly owned renewable energy park in Victoria,” published by Power Technology, a GlobalData-owned brand.
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