A year after breaking ground, Victoria’s renewable energy transformation is accelerating in Horsham, with the SEC Renewable Energy Park reaching a major milestone – installing all 212,296 solar panels.
Minister for the State Electricity Commission Lily D’Ambrosio visited the site today to see the installation of a 162.5 tonne transformer that will connect the park to the grid and help drive down energy prices for families.
The project’s 212,296 solar panels and a 100-megawatt, two-hour battery system will have enough to power more than 51,000 homes each year. It will be among Australia’s first integrated solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS) connected through a single grid connection point.
The new battery provides additional energy capacity to the grid, enabling 180-megawatts of new renewable generation to be connected to the grid, further pushing energy prices down.
This is Victoria’s first 100 per cent government-owned energy generator since the Jeff Kennett’s Liberal Party sold the state’s energy system to private companies that sent much of the profits offshore.
Work will continue into next year, ahead of the project becoming operational in 2027. More than 200 people have been employed on the site to date, including local tradespeople from the community and surrounding areas.
The project is also giving apprentices and trainees valuable hands-on experience in Victoria’s growing renewable energy sector – creating local jobs and building skills that will benefit the community.
SEC and its construction partners OX2 and PSD continue to engage with local jobseekers for upcoming roles as work progresses.
SEC is working with the Horsham community to shape a Community Benefit Fund, ensuring the project delivers long-term value for the region and the fund will be launched next year.
SEC recently announced plans to increase the fund to $100,000 a year and will now invest $3 million in local projects, initiatives and services over the 30-year operational life of the project.
The Allan Labor Government revived the SEC to drive Victoria’s renewable energy future, reinvesting profits into solar, wind and battery projects to create jobs, slash bills, and return power into the hands of Victorians.
Quote attributable to Minister for the State Electricity Commission Lily D’Ambrosio
“A year ago, I helped break ground and today, we’re seeing the progress that will have the capacity to power more than 51,000 Victorian homes and return control of energy to Victorians.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora
“Every milestone at Horsham brings us closer to a renewable future while delivering local jobs and funds for the community to invest in the things that matter most to them.”
Quote attributable to State Electricity Commission CEO Chris Miller
“We’re incredibly proud of how far the SEC Renewable Energy Park – Horsham has come in just one year, with construction advancing across both the solar and battery storage components.”