A major renewable energy project in Horsham, Victoria, has taken a big step forward with the selection of a company to supply its battery system. The SEC Renewable Energy Park, a massive solar and storage setup, is now on track to become one of Australia’s first fully publicly owned renewable energy ventures, promising cleaner power for thousands of homes.
The project includes a 119-megawatt solar farm paired with a 100-megawatt battery that can store energy for two hours. Once up and running, it’s expected to churn out around 242,000 megawatt-hours of electricity each year—enough to keep 51,000 households powered. The battery will soak up cheap solar energy during the day and feed it into the grid when demand peaks, helping to stabilise supply and ease pressure on electricity prices.
Construction’s already underway, with early works kicking off this month. The site, located in Victoria’s north-west, is slated to be fully operational by late 2027. Alongside the solar panels and battery, the project’s set to create a couple hundred jobs during the build, giving a boost to the local economy.
This Horsham setup is the latest in a string of efforts to beef up Victoria’s renewable energy capacity. Another big project near Melton, a 600-megawatt battery hub, is also steaming ahead and should be plugged into the grid later this year. Together, these ventures are part of a broader push to shift away from fossil fuels and make the state’s energy mix more sustainable.
For locals in Horsham, it’s not just about cleaner power—there’s a community fund tied to the project too. Money will flow back into the area each year during construction and beyond, supporting local initiatives once the park’s online. It’s a practical nod to making sure the benefits don’t just stay on the grid.
With the battery supplier now locked in, the focus is on keeping the build on schedule. For Victoria, it’s another piece of the puzzle in building a future where energy’s reliable, renewable, and a bit easier on the hip pocket.