The Andrews Labor Government will support the construction of two new wind farms in regional Victoria.
by dan
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced the signing of contracts with global renewable companies ACCIONA Energy and Windlab for windfarm projects in Mt Gellibrand and Kiata which will bring forward $220 million of new investment and create hundreds of new jobs.
She said the state government will buy renewable energy certificates for its electricity use direct from new Victorian projects, with the initiative potentially saving Victoria up to 67 million over 10 years.
“We can build a strong, sustainable renewable energy industry that powers our broader economy, creates well paid jobs and reduces our environmental impact,” the Minister added.
“We’re proud to be rebuilding much needed confidence in the renewable energy industry following the neglect of Liberal governments at both state and federal levels over recent years.”
ACCIONA Energy Managing Director Andrew Thomson said the company will begin construction of its Mt Gellibrand wind farm in Victoria early next year.
He said the goundbreaking tender held by the state government for the purchase of green energy certificates linked to renewable energy generated in Victoria was a major boost for renewable energy projects.
“This is very positive news for the growth of ACCIONA in Victoria, where we already operate the 192MW Waubra wind farm and where we have a number of additional wind energy projects in development,” Mr Thomson said.
The two new windfarms are expected to generate enough electricity to power 80,000 homes, totalling approximately 100MW of capacity.
