Victoria is driving its renewable energy future by investing in solar and wind technologies to provide affordable and reliable power to schools and hospitals.
The Mortlake South Wind Farm, the latest addition from the first Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) reverse auction, is now operational. Completed with the creation of 100 jobs, this 158 megawatt wind farm will soon fully power 115,000 homes.
With the completion of other VRET projects, including Berrybank Wind Farm, Dundonnell Wind Farm, Cohuna Solar Farm and Winton Solar Farm, a total of 807 megawatts of renewable energy is now available. This $1.1 billion investment in regional Victoria also created 900 construction jobs, including 270 apprenticeships and traineeships.
In addition, the Glenrowan Solar Farm, part of the second VRET auction, has come online. This 102 megawatt solar farm will power around 55,000 homes and supported 125 jobs during construction.
By 2025, the revived State Electricity Commission (SEC) will provide renewable energy to public hospitals, schools, police stations and government buildings. As the SEC expands, it will also provide affordable energy to commercial and industrial customers, helping to significantly reduce their bills.
Together, the VRET projects will generate 1.2 gigawatts of energy and help meet Victoria's goal of powering all government buildings with 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025.
This renewable energy investment has already resulted in the lowest wholesale energy prices in the national market, with the Victorian Default Offer reduced by $100 from 1 July, making it more competitive than offers in other states.
Both Mortlake South Wind Farm and Glenrowan Solar Farm have established community benefit schemes. Mortlake South provides grants and scholarships, while Glenrowan Solar Farm has provided $50,000 in funding to local Landcare projects and community facilities.
Victoria is on track to achieve 95 per cent renewable energy generation by 2035, with the remaining 5 per cent coming from gas peaking. The state has approved Beach Energy's plans to produce gas, ensuring domestic supply is prioritised.
Renewable energy now accounts for 39 per cent of Victoria's energy capacity, with 78 new large-scale projects delivering 5.34 gigawatts coming online to date. The state aims to achieve a 40 per cent renewable energy generation target by 2025, supported by an extensive project pipeline and streamlined approvals processes.