Environment Victoria has today welcomed the Carroll government’s approval of the Warracknabeal Energy Park, a critical milestone in securing Victoria’s renewable energy transition as we prepare for the closure of Victoria’s ailing coal power stations.
This wind farm alone will provide enough renewable energy to power 1.2 million homes – it’s a great example of why we need to press ahead with transmission infrastructure to distribute renewable energy across the state, said Dr Kat Lucas-Healey, Environment Victoria’s Senior Climate & Energy Advisor.
“We applaud Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny for approving the state’s environmental impact statement for the Southern Hemisphere’s largest wind farm, ahead of final checks from the federal government.”
“The two battery energy storage systems included as part of the project will ensure power keeps flowing even when winds are light – keeping the lights on in Western Victoria and across the state.”
“A project of this scale would not have been possible under the Liberal Party’s promised 2km exclusion zone – a blunt instrument that takes away people’s right to negotiate with developers and access the benefits of hosting clean energy.”
“Instead, towns in Yarriambiack shire and beyond will receive an economic boost and dozens of local landowners and neighbours will benefit from a new source of income.”
“Building more clean, renewable energy is the fastest way to bring down energy costs for Victorians,” said Dr Lucas-Healey.