Michelle Slater
The federal government has committed $8.5million towards developing a 3000 hectare site at Giffard into a Gippsland Renewable Energy Park that will create 400 jobs in the region.
The GREP will be home to large scale renewables projects that will deliver clean energy to the National Electricity Market and help replace generation when Yallourn closes in 2028.
The multi-staged project will investigate various technologies at utility scale, including solar, wind, battery storage and the potential of green hydrogen.
The project is being funded through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation in a joint venture with global clean energy fund Octopus Australia and superannuation fund Hostplus.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said supporting local jobs was an important focus.
“We have many skilled workers in our energy sector and it is important we ensure their skills can be utilised in new areas,” Mr Chester said.
“This is also an important step in keeping the energy sector in our region where the knowledge and experience is and ensuring that the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland are not forgotten about.”
The CEFC and Octopus Australia joint venture portfolio already includes the recent acquisition of the 44 megawatt Perry Bridge and 80 MW Fulham solar farms.
CEFC chief executive Ian Learmonth said Gippsland has been a “powerhouse” for the National Electricity Market for many years.
“This development will contribute to the region’s transition to a clean energy future, while continuing to supply the power that helps keep Australia’s lights on,” Mr Learmonth said.
“With the planned construction of both solar and storage at the site, the GREP also offers an exciting opportunity for the Gippsland community to benefit from the clean energy economy.”
Assistant Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Tim Wilson said project was another example of the federal government’s journey to carbon neutrality by 2050.
“The Gippsland Renewable Energy Park will set the benchmark for future clean energy infrastructure projects,” Mr Wilson said.
“Gippsland has the potential to become the newest renewable energy hub in Victoria, with utility-scale solar, wind, battery storage and potentially clean hydrogen.”
