Victoria has approved two major renewable energy projects under its Development Facilitation Program (DFP).
Beneath political fanfare, the projects mark modest but technically significant steps toward energy transition.
Planning approvals have been granted for a 500 MW solar farm with battery storage at Colbinabbin and a standalone 400 MWh battery system at Dederang.
Both developments were fast-tracked through the DFP, a mechanism designed to streamline planning decisions for priority infrastructure.
The Colbinabbin project, led by Venn Energy, includes a 300 MW/600 MWh battery storage system alongside the solar array.
While projected to generate enough electricity to power 210,000 homes annually, its technical contribution lies in the co-located storage, which will help address renewable intermittency and stabilise voltage during evening peaks.
Meanwhile, Mint Renewables’ Dederang battery system is a utility-scale 400 MWh standalone unit, expected to meet high-demand periods for up to 69,000 homes. The project reflects growing investment in grid-forming battery assets in Victoria’s north-east.
Combined, the two projects add to the 15 renewable developments greenlit since the DFP was extended to include clean energy in 2023.
According to government figures, these projects represent over $4 billion in private capital and an additional 1,500 construction and operational jobs.
Proponents of both projects undertook standard consultation with authorities including DEECA, CFA and Agriculture Victoria. Environmental approvals and grid connection studies will likely define the actual commissioning timelines.
Victoria has a legislated target for 95 per cent of its energy to come from renewable sources by 2035.