Victoria is making significant strides in its renewable energy journey with the launch of a major new initiative—the SEC Renewable Energy Park in Horsham, which represents a pivotal investment of $370 million. This project sets a precedent as one of Australia’s first fully publicly owned utility-scale renewable energy ventures.
The Renewable Energy Park will feature a large-scale solar farm combined with a substantial battery storage system, aiming to produce an impressive 242,000 megawatt hours of energy annually. This output is projected to comfortably supply electricity to over 51,000 households, underscoring the project’s potential impact. In collaboration with international developer OX2, the project will unfold in two distinct phases, initiating with a 119-megawatt solar installation and a 100-megawatt two-hour battery system.
In addition to its energy output, the park is expected to create approximately 246 jobs during the construction phase, including valuable opportunities for apprentices and trainees. The stored energy will enhance grid reliability by offering power during peak demand times, fundamentally supporting the state’s efforts to transition to 100% renewable energy in government operations by 2027.
As part of a broader strategy, this investment is a continuation of the Victorian Government’s commitment, reflecting a $1 billion initiative focused on achieving 4.5 gigawatts of renewable energy and storage capacity, ultimately fostering a robust renewable ecosystem across the region.
**FAQ Section**
What is the SEC Renewable Energy Park?
The SEC Renewable Energy Park is a major renewable energy initiative launched in Horsham, Victoria, representing a $370 million investment aimed at creating one of Australia’s first fully publicly owned utility-scale renewable energy projects.
What will the Renewable Energy Park include?
The Renewable Energy Park will feature a large-scale solar farm and a substantial battery storage system, with a goal of producing 242,000 megawatt hours of energy annually, enough to supply electricity to over 51,000 households.
How will this project impact the local economy?
The project is expected to create approximately 246 jobs during its construction phase, offering valuable opportunities for apprentices and trainees, thus benefiting the local economy.
What are the phases of the project?
The development of the Renewable Energy Park will occur in two phases, starting with a 119-megawatt solar installation and a 100-megawatt two-hour battery storage system.
How will this project support grid reliability?
The stored energy from the Renewable Energy Park will enhance grid reliability by providing power during peak demand times, aiding in the transition to renewable energy in Victoria.
What is the overall renewable energy strategy of the Victorian Government?
The SEC Renewable Energy Park is part of the Victorian Government’s broader strategy, which includes a $1 billion initiative aimed at achieving 4.5 gigawatts of renewable energy and storage capacity, fostering a robust renewable energy ecosystem across the region.
**Definitions**
– **Utility-scale renewable energy**: Large-scale installations that generate electricity from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, or hydro, typically designed to deliver power to the electric grid.
– **Battery storage system**: A technology that stores energy generated from renewable sources so that it can be used later, especially during peak demand periods.
– **Megawatt (MW)**: A unit of power equal to one million watts, commonly used to express the output of power plants and the consumption of power by electric utilities.
– **Gigawatt (GW)**: A unit of power equal to one billion watts, often used to quantify the capacity of large power plants or the amount of energy generated by a country.
**Related Links**
Victorian Government
Department of Energy and Resources
Renewable Energy Resource Centre