Solar farms to go ahead

Published on 15 January 2018

Horsham Rural City Council has issued the go ahead for two major solar farming enterprises in the municipality.

Mayor Cr Pam Clarke said that Council has approved planning permit applications to construct and operate solar farms on a 196 hectare property at Riverside and a 370 hectare property at Murra Warra, from ESCO Pacific Pty and RES, respectively.   

“These companies can now make submissions to the Victorian Renewable Energy Auction Scheme (VREAS) which was launched in November.   The scheme aims to support achievement of the Victorian Renewable Energy Targets which is to ensure that 25 per cent of the State’s electricity generation comes from renewable sources by 2020, rising to 40 percent by 2025,” she said.  

Submissions to the VREAS for large scale technology neutral and solar-specific renewable energy will be accepted until February, with the outcomes announced in July.  Proponents are required to demonstrate their ability to engage with communities and neighbours.  

 Cr Clarke said that it will be important for the two companies to work closely with neighbours and the community throughout the process. 

“These projects are significant for the region.  With a combined total investment of $470 million, incorporating up to 1,290,000 solar panels, the new solar farms will generate substantial economic activity during the initial construction phase and with their ongoing operations,” she said.

KEY FACTS

 Horsham Solar Farm

Company:   ESCO Pacific Pty Ltd

Address:   Horsham-Lubeck Road, Riverside

Site Area:  196 hectares

No of Photovoltaic Panels:  Up to 390,000

Capacity:  Up to 130 Megawatts (MW)

Energy Storage:  Up to 100 Megawatt hours AC

Value:   $170 million

Murra Warra Solar Farm

Company:  RES

Address:   Murra Warra

Site Area:  370 hectares

No of Photovoltaic Panels:  Up to 900,000

Capacity:  Up to 235 Megawatts (MW)

Energy Storage:  Up to 300 Megawatt hours AC

Value:  $300 million