The Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub in Plumpton, northwest of Melbourne, Victoria, has received approval from the Australian Labor Government. This hub will be one of the largest in the world and will supply power to over 1 million households. It will have a 2.4 GWh battery to store power from wind, hydro, and solar energy sources in regional Victoria, as well as residential solar systems. The construction and management of the hub are expected to create nearly 400 jobs.
Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek highlights that cheaper and cleaner renewable energy will help in reducing emissions and reaching net zero by 2050. She believes that projects like this will transform the energy system and build it for the future. The approval of the scheme by the federal government included conditions regarding environmental protection.
Victoria, being the first sub-national government to join the Global Offshore Wind Alliance, is pushing ahead with its renewable energy efforts. The state has the second-largest offshore wind pipeline in the Asia-Pacific region. The federal government has designated an area in the Bass Strait off the Gippsland coast as Australia’s first offshore wind zone, and feasibility licenses for potential developers are currently being explored. The offshore wind industry in Victoria is expected to create over 6,000 jobs and significantly contribute to achieving renewable energy production targets.
Furthermore, the Victorian budget for 2023/24 has allocated funds to develop the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal at the Port of Hastings, which will support wind projects and multiple offshore wind developments. The Victorian Labor government has also introduced an Australian-first solar program that offers rebates on bulk solar panels, heat pumps, and hot water systems for new homes, providing savings for home buyers. Other initiatives include the banning of gas connections to new homes and the goal of generating a significant amount of offshore wind capacity by 2040 to attract investments globally.