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Labor fast-tracks Bairnsdale solar farm and battery project lowering energy bills, powering Gippsland homes, and creating jobs

The Allan Labor government fast-tracked Bairnsdale 85 MW solar farm and 70MW battery, cutting energy bills, powering 60,000 homes, creating more than 170 jobs, and advancing Victoria's renewable energy and climate targets.

By news@gippsland - 20th August 2025 - Back to News

The Allan Labor government has fast-tracked two renewable energy projects in Bairnsdale that will slash energy bills and power thousands of homes across Gippsland. Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny today approved an 85-megawatt solar farm and a 70-megawatt battery energy storage system in Bairnsdale through the Development Facilitation Program (DFP) - a pathway that has already fast-tracked energy projects that will power more than half a million homes across the state.

Elgin Energy's Ballantine Solar Farm will power 36,000 homes annually, with a 70MW battery meeting peak demand for 24,000 households and creating over 170 jobs

Ballantine Solar Farm

Operated by Elgin Energy, the new Ballantine Solar Farm will be able to power around 36,000 homes every year, while the 70-megawatt battery energy storage system will have the capacity to meet evening peak demand for approximately 24,000 households - creating more than 170 jobs.

The proponent was required to undertake consultation with neighbouring properties and relevant government agencies including Country Fire Authority and Energy Safe Victoria, with Transport for Victoria and WorkSafe also providing feedback.

Since the DFP was expanded to include renewable energy projects last year, the Labor government has unlocked more than $4.9 billion worth of investment across 18 projects that will create around 1,900 new jobs in construction and operations.

Renewable energy growth

Once completed, these 18 projects will generate enough power for around 574,000 households annually, with battery storage capable of meeting evening peak demand for almost a million households. The government's record investments in renewable energy means Victoria consistently has the lowest wholesale power prices in the country - bringing online even more renewable energy will ensure prices stay low into the future.

Victoria has hit every climate and energy target it has set to date and is on track to meet its renewable energy target of 95 per cent by 2035 which will deliver $9.5 billion in economic development and help create 67,000 jobs by 2040.

Cheaper energy faster

Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said, "This approval reflects the ongoing success of the Development Facilitation Program - cutting red tape that will help cut down power bills faster."

Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio said, "We consistently have the cheapest wholesale energy prices in the country and fast-tracking this process means even more Victorians will benefit from cheaper renewable energy sooner."

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said, "The more low-cost electricity we produce, the cheaper it is for all of us."

Pictures from Yes2Renewables Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com