Renewable Energy To Power Stawell Farm In World-First
12 January 2018
Victorian Government:
The Andrews Labor Government will build a
major new
wind farm with
battery storage in Western
Victoria that will
power the expansion of Stawell’s Nectar Farms.
This project will make the advanced agriculture facility the world’s
first ever crop farm to be completely powered by
renewable energy.
The 15-year Support Agreement between the Labor Government and Neoen
Australia will deliver the Bulgana Green Power Hub – an integrated
energy project of a scale and technology never been seen before.
More than 1,300 jobs will be created – including 270 direct ongoing jobs
in the agricultural sector and 10 direct ongoing jobs in the renewable
energy industry – all located in the Stawell region.
The wind farm and battery storage system will provide reliable and
affordable renewable energy to unlock the development of a major new
advanced agriculture facility in Stawell, with a total expected
investment of $665 million.
The farm will use the latest in hydroponic glasshouse and plant
technology to create a 40 hectare, state-of-the-art facility to supply
the highest quality vegetables into domestic and international markets.
The co-located 204MW Bulgana Green Power Hub will be backed up by a 20MW
battery, making the farms expansion a reality by providing the secure
and affordable energy that Nectar Farms needs for its hydroponic
greenhouses.
The project will help secure the Labor Government’s greenhouse gas
emissions reductions targets of 15 to 20 per cent (from 2005 levels) by
the year 2020.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate
Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re delivering affordable, secure and clean energy, which is powering
new jobs right across our state.”
“This project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions while helping meet
Victoria’s renewable energy generation targets.”
“This is an exciting initiative which illustrates how renewable energy
can unlock opportunities for large, energy intensive businesses to
create jobs and build a better future for regional communities.”
--ENDS--
Source: Victorian Government - www.premier.vic.gov.au
Contact: Nathan Motton 0447 771 882
External Links: N/A
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