The Victoria government has expedited the approval process for two significant renewable energy projects, marking a decisive step towards increasing the state’s renewable energy capacity. Announced on Saturday, the projects include the Meadow Creek solar farm and an expansion of the Tramway Roads battery located in the Latrobe Valley.
The Meadow Creek solar farm, situated near Wangaratta, will feature a robust 332 MW solar facility combined with a 250 MW, 1,000 MWh battery storage system. This $750 million project is owned by a local farming operation and will be constructed by Energy Vault, a company originally known for its gravity-based storage solutions but now shifting towards solar and lithium-ion battery technologies. Energy Vault is also involved in the development of the 125 MW, 1,000 MWh Stoney Creek battery project in New South Wales, which it acquired from Enervest earlier this year.
Community Engagement and Controversies
The development of the Meadow Creek solar farm has sparked some contention within the local community. Concerns have been raised regarding fire risk, water management, and the visual impact of the project. In response, the company has engaged in discussions with local stakeholders, including the traditional owners, the Taungurung people. Cameron Munro, the development director of the Meadow Creek solar farm, stated, “We’re also committed to delivering direct benefits to the nearest community, including reinvesting a portion of the project’s returns locally.”
This project is part of a broader trend in Australia, as the nation seeks to increase its renewable energy footprint. The Meadow Creek solar farm and similar solar-battery hybrids have become more prominent as wind energy projects face cost increases and planning challenges. Notably, Australia’s main grid has not yet seen any large-scale solar-battery hybrids, but two are currently under construction, with over a dozen others already awarded state and federal contracts.
State Goals and Future Prospects
In total, the Victoria government has fast-tracked 22 projects worth more than $7.8 billion since initiating its Development Facilitation Program (DFP) last year. The state Labor government has set an ambitious target of reaching 95 percent renewable energy by 2035, anticipating that all three of its remaining brown coal generators will cease operations by that time.
State Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny emphasized the importance of community consultation in the approval process. Proponents for both the Meadow Creek and Tramway Roads projects were required to engage with community members and relevant government agencies, including the Country Fire Authority and Agriculture Victoria.
As Victoria continues to push forward with renewable energy initiatives, the community’s involvement remains crucial. The government is committed to ensuring that local voices are heard and that the benefits of these substantial investments are felt across the region.
