More than 900 megawatts (MW) of new clean energy will be generated as a result of the first Victorian renewable energy auction, driving down energy prices for Victorian families.
The auction, part of the Victorian Renewable Energy Targets (VRET), was initially expected to deliver at least 650MW of renewable energy. That goal has been smashed, with the auction instead delivering 928MW of renewable energy – almost 45 per cent more power than originally anticipated.
Premier, Daniel Andrews, and Minister for Energy, Lily D’Ambrosio, announced the six successful projects that will produce enough electricity to power 646,273 households.
Together, these projects will generate $1.1 billion of economic investment in regional Victoria and create more than 900 jobs, including 270 apprenticeships and traineeships. The winning projects are:
- Berrybank Wind Farm west of Geelong, which will produce 180MW
- Carwarp Solar Farm south of Mildura, which will produce 121.6MW
- Cohuna Solar Farm north-west of Echuca, which will produce 34.2MW
- Dundonnell Wind Farm north-east of Warrnambool, which will produce 336MW
- Mortlake South Wind Farm south of Mortlake, which will produce 157.5MW
- Winton Solar Farm near Benalla, which will produce 98.8MW
The 928MW of power produced by these projects is expected to drive a 16 per cent reduction in Victoria’s electricity sector greenhouse gas emissions by 2034/35.“It’s simple – greater supply of renewable energy means lower power prices and more jobs for Victorian families,” Mr Andrews said.
“We’re making Victoria the capital of renewable energy and supporting the thousands of local jobs it creates.”
The VRET will ensure that 25 per cent of the state’s electricity generation comes from renewable sources by 2020, and 40 per cent by 2025. It is expected the targets will drive around $9 billion of investment and create more than 11,000 jobs over the life of the scheme.
