Victoria’s Decision on Central North Renewable Energy Zone

Victoria has fine-tuned its renewable energy zone (REZ) network after conducting further evaluations on the proposed Central North zone.

VicGrid has decided against recommending the declaration of the Central North zone, indicating that while this specific area may not be part of the network, it will nevertheless be vital to the region’s overall energy transition.

Assessment Results

According to a recent LinkedIn post by VicGrid, the determination stems from the absence of new transmission projects and the ongoing advancements in numerous generation projects in the area. Consequently, they concluded that the existing grid has limited capacity to support a renewable energy zone in Central North.

Moreover, VicGrid reported receiving considerable feedback from community members and stakeholders within the region regarding the proposed zone. The concerns highlighted included issues surrounding biodiversity, flooding, and the importance of agricultural land in specific areas of the zone.

Impact on Current Developments

Despite the decision on the Central North REZ, existing renewable energy initiatives in the region will continue. Several solar and battery projects are already making their way through the relevant planning and connection procedures.

VicGrid noted that other regions within the broader central northern territory could still be evaluated for future REZs through upcoming Victorian Transmission Plan processes.

Victoria’s Renewable Energy Zones

The decision regarding Central North leaves Victoria with six officially declared REZs: Central Highlands, Gippsland, Gippsland Shoreline, North West, South West, and Western. These zones will play a crucial role in directing the development of new renewable generation, battery storage, and transmission infrastructure as Victoria undergoes its energy transition.