Edify Energy has announced plans for a significant solar-battery hybrid project in northern Victoria, which could feature the largest eight-hour battery facility in Australia. The proposed Noringi solar power station is set to include a 300 MW alternating current solar farm complemented by an integrated battery system sized at up to 300 MW and 2,400 MWh of storage capacity. If approved, this project would be unprecedented in several respects, marking a major advancement in renewable energy capabilities.
The design of solar hybrid projects emphasizes the ability to store excess solar energy on-site, allowing for continued power generation even during periods of low market prices for electricity. By storing energy during the day, the facility can release it into the grid during peak evening hours when prices are typically higher. This capability positions the Noringi project to optimize energy output and revenue generation, especially given that most currently operational solar hybrids utilize four-hour batteries.
Noringi aims to secure approval under the federal government’s EPBC Act, which governs environmental protection. Should the project proceed as envisioned, it would rival the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub, currently under construction, as one of the largest battery storage facilities in Victoria.
Construction of the solar power station is planned to take approximately 18 months, providing employment for up to 250 workers. Edify Energy hopes to begin construction in 2026. The site, situated around 15 kilometers south of a 171 MW solar farm being developed by Canadian company Recurrent Energy, has been subject to ecological assessments due to its proximity to various species listed under the EPBC Act.
The Nowingi project encompasses a 638-hectare area of undulating sandy plains, supporting different varieties of mallee vegetation. According to Edify, the site has been utilized for cropping and contains potential foraging areas for ten species protected under the EPBC Act, including the southern whiteface, malleefowl, and the mallee emu-wren. An ecological assessment conducted in 2017 identified some of these species residing in the vicinity.
Edify has been engaging with local residents since 2023, asserting that there are no residences within four kilometers of the project area. This proactive approach aims to address community concerns surrounding the development.
In April, Edify received approval for its Burroway solar-battery energy storage system in New South Wales, which faced unusual opposition. The company subsequently submitted another solar project to the EPBC queue in May and was informed within two weeks that it did not require further referral under the Act.
With the proposed Noringi solar power station, Edify Energy seeks to contribute significantly to Australia’s renewable energy landscape while addressing both environmental considerations and local community interests.
