A new renewable energy hub in Plumpton, Victoria has been approved by the Federal Government, and is expected to be able to power over one million homes. 

The Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub is expected to build the largest battery system in Asia – and indeed, one of the largest in the world. It will store wind, hydro and solar energy from regional Victoria and includes a 2.4GWh battery.

The Federal Government has said that this is another step towards building a renewables future. The project will be able to store the extra energy generated by solar panels on Victorian roofs, helping to deliver reliable renewable energy for Victoria. 

The Government said that the project will also be good for local jobs. The hub is set to create up to 365 jobs over construction and a further 30 ongoing positions. It also includes the construction of a solar farm.

The project has been approved following assessment under Australia’s environment law, with strict conditions to protect the local environment and minimise impact to local habitat.

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, said that renewable energy is cheap, clean, and crucial to helping cut emissions and reach Australia’s goal of net zero by 2050. 

“Projects like this will help us transform our energy system and build it for the future,” Ms Plibersek said. 

“This is what action on climate change looks like – cutting emissions, investing in renewables, and better protecting our environment.”