Neoen’s Bulgana Green Power Hub, which combines a 204MW wind farm with a 20MW/32MWh battery, is now in operation in Victoria.
Located in Stawell, the hybrid power plant houses 56 wind turbines and has the capacity to generate 750,000MWh of clean energy annually — enough to power around 150,000 homes.
Bulgana Green Power Hub is underpinned by a 15-year Support Agreement with the Victorian Government, contributing towards the state’s Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) of 50 per cent by 2030.
The $350 million investment has created over 150 construction jobs and five full time permanent jobs.
Now that the power hub is operating, it is estimated to be generating annual benefits of $40.6 million for the Victorian economy.
Local community-building and sustainability initiatives are being supported through an annual $120,000 Community Benefit Fund established by Neoen and administered by the Northern Grampians Shire Council.
Bulgana Green Power Hub joins Numurkah Solar Farm (128 MWp) and the Victorian Big Battery (300MW/450MWh) to take Neoen’s operating Victorian portfolio to 652MW across the three technologies of wind, solar and battery storage.
Neoen Australia’s Managing Director, Louis de Sambucy, said, “This is a major step forward for our Victorian asset portfolio, taking it to 652MW with a well-balanced combination of wind, solar and battery storage.
“Connecting our Bulgana Power Hub to the grid was a long and challenging process, but we are proud of having overcome it thanks to the team’s dedication.
“We are delighted to be delivering clean, affordable and reliable energy for Victorian consumers and are committed to continuing to play our part in Victoria’s renewable energy transition.”
Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, said, “Victoria is the country’s home of big batteries.
“The Bulgana Green Power Hub was made possible thanks to a support contract from the Victorian Government, and has delivered 200MW of new clean, renewable energy and another big battery for the state.
“It’s a significant step towards delivering our Victorian Renewable Energy Targets, which are creating jobs, driving down energy prices and helping us halve emissions by 2030.”