In a landmark move set to revolutionize Victoria’s energy landscape, the state government has unveiled ambitious plans to construct a $370 million state-owned solar farm and battery storage facility in the western region of Horsham. The project, hailed as the first government-owned energy venture since the electricity grid privatization of the 1990s, is poised to power an impressive 51,000 homes upon its completion in 2027.
A New Era of Clean Energy
Dubbed the SEC Renewable Energy Park, the groundbreaking initiative will feature a formidable 119-megawatt solar facility complemented by a robust 100-megawatt two-hour battery. Strategically located near Horsham’s existing substation and transmission line, the project is expected to generate an impressive 242,000 megawatt-hours of renewable energy annually over its 30-year lifespan.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan emphasized the significance of the undertaking, stating, “This is a big moment for the generation of renewable energy in our state, but also a big moment in terms of putting power back into the hands of the Victorian community and putting people ahead of profits.”
“The SEC Renewable Energy Park can support 51,000 homes – roughly five times the size of Horsham. Or if you need another great regional city as a point of comparison, the size of Bendigo can be generated off a solar renewable energy project of this size and scale.”
– Premier Jacinta Allan
Reinvesting in a Greener Future
Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio unveiled plans for the SEC to retain full ownership of the park, ensuring that all profits generated would be reinvested into additional renewable energy projects. Furthermore, a dedicated community fund will be established specifically for Horsham residents, with $42,000 allocated annually during the construction phase and $70,000 per year once the project becomes operational.
The revitalization of the SEC, once the sole authority for electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and supply before its 1990s privatization, lies at the heart of this endeavor. Armed with an initial $1 billion investment, the SEC aims to deliver 4.5 gigawatts of renewable energy, sufficient to offset the planned closure of the coal-fired Loy Yang A power station in 2035.
Accelerating Victoria’s Clean Energy Transition
The Horsham solar and battery farm marks the second major investment by the SEC, following a $245 million stake in a battery farm located in Melbourne’s western suburbs. These bold moves underscore the Victorian government’s unwavering commitment to accelerating the transition to cleaner energy sources while simultaneously creating a more resilient and sustainable power grid.
Critics, however, remain skeptical about the project’s ability to reduce energy prices for consumers. Deputy Liberal Leader David Southwick voiced concerns, stating, “The government has no idea about how the profit is going to be made and no idea how it’s going to bring down prices. That’s what Victorians want right now. We are in a cost of living crisis; we need prices brought down.”
Paving the Way for a Sustainable Tomorrow
As Victoria navigates the complex challenges of the global energy transition, initiatives like the SEC Renewable Energy Park serve as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a cleaner, greener future. By investing in state-owned renewable energy infrastructure, the Victorian government is not only taking decisive action to combat climate change but also empowering communities and fostering energy independence.
The successful completion of this groundbreaking project in Horsham will undoubtedly pave the way for further renewable energy investments across the state, inspiring other regions to embrace the potential of solar power and battery storage technology. As Victoria charts its course towards a sustainable tomorrow, the SEC Renewable Energy Park stands as a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership and the unwavering resolve to build a brighter, cleaner future for generations to come.
