The State Electricity Commission (SEC) has taken another significant step toward reshaping Victoria’s energy landscape with its second major investment.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for the State Electricity Commission Lily D’Ambrosio announced a $370 million investment to establish the SEC Renewable Energy Park in Horsham.
The new solar farm and battery facility will generate approximately 242,000 megawatt hours of renewable energy annually—enough to power 51,000 homes, five times the number of households in Horsham.
“We’re building our future with the SEC—creating jobs, reducing bills, and delivering reliable renewable energy across the state,” Premier Allan said.
The project, developed in partnership with OX2, will feature a 119-megawatt solar farm and a 100-megawatt, two-hour battery system.
The construction phase is expected to generate 246 jobs, including opportunities for 20 apprentices, trainees, and cadets.
The battery will play a critical role in stabilising the grid by storing surplus solar energy during the day for use during peak demand periods.
According to the government, this innovation is expected to reduce electricity prices and facilitate the transition to more renewable energy sources.
Minister D’Ambrosio emphasised the significance of the SEC’s reinvestment model: “We’re investing in renewable energy projects for people, not profit. This is about securing reliable, affordable energy for Victorians.”
The local community will share in the project’s profits through a dedicated benefits fund, which will provide $42,000 annually during construction and $70,000 per year once the facility becomes operational.
Slated for completion in 2027, the Renewable Energy Park will supply clean energy to Victorian Government schools, hospitals, and offices.
The project is part of a broader $1 billion initiative by the Allan Labor Government to deliver 4.5 gigawatts of renewable energy and storage capacity, enough to power over 1.5 million homes.
The SEC’s first project, the 600-megawatt Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub, is already at the halfway mark and set to be operational by 2025.
It has so far employed over 650 workers and will eventually store enough electricity to power 200,000 homes during peak times.
Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora highlighted the positive impact on the region: “The SEC has kick started construction on this project and made it bigger and better – delivering more local jobs for Horsham and additional funds for the community to invest in the things that matter most to them.”
All profits generated by the SEC will be reinvested into renewable energy infrastructure, expanding Victoria’s battery storage, wind, and solar capabilities.
“Bringing back the State Electricity Commission is all about giving power and profit back to the people,” Premier Allan concluded.
