General News
21 December, 2023
Plans for 600,000 panel solar farm
PLANNING is underway to develop a 600,000-panel solar farm in Mortlake.
United States renewable energy developer BrightNight has begun community consultation for the proposed Mortlake Renewable Energy Hub project.
BrightNight head of Australia Polly Baranco said plans for the hub include a 350-Megawatt, 600,000 panel solar farm which is expected to generate 628,066 MWh (628,065,872 kWh) per year.
“The project also contains a 300-Megawatt battery (BESS), which will allow solar energy to be stored and distributed quickly and efficiently to homes and businesses in peak demand when the sun isn’t shining,” she said.
“The generation displaces the equivalent of 672,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (C02).”
Project construction is expected to begin from January 2025 if it gains planning approvals, with a targeted completion date in June 2026.
The site is currently used for sheep grazing, and BrightNight confirmed it was taking steps to continue grazing at the site during project operations.
The project would mark BrightNight’s first development in Australia, but the company boasts decades of experienced in the Australian renewable energy sector.
“BrightNight is a world leader in large scale renewable energy solutions and our team is eager to share with Australian communities our cutting-edge hybrid model of co-located large scale solar Photovoltaic (PV) and BESS, to help make renewable energy more affordable,” Ms Baranco said.
“Mortlake was identified as a renewable energy zone by the Victorian government, highlighting the capacity available in the network, and although the amount of sunlight is better in some areas of Victoria, the fact that this project has access to a less constrained network, outweighs the lower amount of solar resources.
“BrightNight understands that for Australians to be able to access clean, affordable energy, we need to find ways to store it, so that it can be dispatched when we need it.
“We also understand this is a time of change for local communities and we want to understand what is important to the community of Mortlake, share our global experience and embrace the possibilities together.”
Ms Baranco said community consultation had begun, including hosting a stall at the December Mortlake Markets.
“As a long-term owner of renewable projects, BrightNight’s engagement with communities is based on an enduring relationship and an undertaking to inform, educate, gather feedback and take action throughout the lifetime of our operations,” she said.
“The project is currently in the community engagement phase, and we have been pleased to meet many residents and community members during our recent visits to Mortlake.
“We are in the process of securing the offer to connect to the network, undertaking technical planning studies, including engaging with Eastern Maar regarding a cultural heritage assessment, and finalising the overall footprint of the project.”
Plans are currently underway to develop a community benefits program which will be shaped by public feedback.
“We have had some initial ideas presented by locals and will continue to get advice from community groups and the Moyne Shire council as to where our investment will best support the community of Mortlake,” Ms Baranco said.
“We will be holding additional drop in sessions in the new year.
“We will publicise the time and location when finalised. and if people would like to know more they can email the team at MortlakeEnergyHub@brightnightpower.com.”