Victoria Greenlights Controversial 500-MW Solar, Battery Projects

• Victoria greenlights major solar-storage projects, powering 210,000 homes by 2027, despite local opposition over land and economic concerns.

The government of Victoria, Australia, has approved plans for a 500-MW solar-storage park and a 200-MW/400-MWh standalone battery through its Development Facilitation Programme, despite local opposition. The solar-plus-storage project, proposed by Venn Energy Pty Ltd, includes a 500-MW photovoltaic farm and a 300-MW battery energy storage system near Colbinabbin, expected to power 210,000 homes annually and meet evening peak demand for 100,000 households by 2027.

Mint Renewables' 400-MWh battery storage project in Dederang, Alpine Shire, will store electricity for 69,000 households during high demand. Both projects face local opposition, with concerns about threats to farming land and lack of economic benefits.

What are the key details of Victoria's approved solar-storage projects despite local opposition?

• The 500-MW solar-storage park is being developed by Venn Energy Pty Ltd.
  
• It includes a 500-MW photovoltaic farm and a 300-MW battery energy storage system.
  
• The project is located near Colbinabbin, Victoria.
• It is expected to power approximately 210,000 homes annually.
• The solar-storage park aims to meet evening peak demand for 100,000 households by 2027.
  
• Mint Renewables is developing a standalone 200-MW/400-MWh battery storage project.
  
• This battery storage project is located in Dederang, Alpine Shire.
  
• The Dederang project will store electricity for around 69,000 households during periods of high demand.
  
• Both projects have been approved under Victoria's Development Facilitation Programme.
• Local opposition is primarily concerned with potential threats to farming land.
• There are also concerns about the perceived lack of economic benefits for the local community.