Victoria approves Barwon Solar Farm and battery post auction win
A 330-megawatt solar farm and a two-hour big battery project have received approval from the state planning department in regional Victoria. The Barwon Solar Farm, along with a 250MW, 500MWh battery energy storage system, is set to be constructed by Elgin Energy in Little River, located north of Geelong. This approval comes shortly after the project was selected as a winner in Australia’s largest renewable energy tender.
Victoria’s Planning Minister, Sonya Kilkenny, announced the fast-tracked approval on Friday, highlighting the government’s commitment to accelerating renewable energy projects. The Barwon Solar Farm and the battery storage system are part of the Albanese government’s Capacity Investment Scheme, aimed at driving the country towards its 82 per cent renewables target by 2030.
Accelerated Approval Process
The Victorian government, under Premier Jacinta Allan, expanded the Development Facilitation Program to include renewable energy initiatives, streamlining the approval process and eliminating lengthy planning procedures and appeals. This move was in response to a backlog of approximately $90 billion worth of renewable energy investments awaiting approval in the state’s development pipeline.
With a goal of achieving a 65 per cent renewables share of the grid by 2030 and 95 per cent by 2035, Victoria has been making strides in the renewable energy sector. However, a report from Clean Energy Australia in March 2024 revealed that only four out of 22 large-scale solar and wind projects completed in 2023 were in Victoria, indicating room for further growth.
Environmental Considerations
In a bid to balance renewable energy generation with environmental conservation, Elgin Energy made adjustments to the solar farm layout in consultation with the state’s environment department. The removal of a portion of solar panels was aimed at preserving local Black Falcon habitats, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development.
The Department of Transport and Planning emphasised the importance of thorough assessments to address community concerns and ensure responsible project approvals. This cautious approach reflects the government’s dedication to sustainable development practices.
Future Steps and Federal Approval
While the Barwon solar farm and battery project have received state approval, they are still awaiting federal environmental clearance under the EPBC Act. The federal environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, classified the project as a controlled action, indicating the need for further assessment before proceeding.
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Please note that the Barwon Solar Farm and battery project are distinct from the Little River battery energy storage project (BESS), clarifying any previous confusion between the two initiatives.
