The Nowingi Solar Power Station, featuring a 125 MW solar farm and a 500 MW battery storage system, has been approved for construction near Mildura in northwest Victoria.
A Milestone for Australia’s Renewable Energy Storage
The Nowingi Solar Power Station has received approval from the Murray River Council for its 500 MW battery energy storage system (BESS), which is poised to become the largest standalone BESS in Australia and one of the largest in the world. The project is strategically located near the Red Cliffs Terminal Station, giving it vital access to the 220 kV transmission network for efficient power distribution.
The project’s development application, submitted in March 2023, received unanimous support from the Murray River Council’s planning committee. The Nowingi Solar Power Station is expected to boost the local economy by creating approximately 300 construction jobs and up to ten permanent operational roles. This follows a broader trend of similar projects creating jobs while advancing clean energy goals. For example, EEW is developing a 200 MWdc Solar PV Plant in partnership with COBRA Australia, highlighting the continued growth in the renewable energy sector.
Project Specifications and Development
The project includes a 125 MW solar farm and a 500 MW/1,000 MWh battery storage system, which will be developed in two stages. The first stage involves building the solar farm and a 250 MW/500 MWh battery, with the second stage adding another 250 MW/500 MWh of battery capacity. This phased approach allows for efficient scaling and integration with the existing grid infrastructure.
Spanning 1,200 hectares, the project will dedicate 500 hectares to the solar farm and 14 hectares to the battery storage facility. The remaining land is allocated for environmental offset programs and future development, a plan designed to minimize environmental impact while promoting biodiversity.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The Nowingi Solar Power Station is set to deliver significant economic and environmental benefits to the region by reducing electricity costs, enhancing energy security, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The project also directly supports the Victorian Government’s renewable energy targets and its transition to a low-carbon economy. Its impact is comparable to similar initiatives, like the APA Group’s completed Port Hedland Solar Farm in Western Australia, which demonstrates the vital role of solar energy in a clean energy future.
The purchase of local goods and services during construction and operation will generate further economic activity. The project’s community consultation process also received positive feedback, with residents and stakeholders expressing strong support. This local backing highlights how such projects can foster both economic growth and environmental stewardship.
Future Expansion and Grid Integration
Designed for future expansion, the Nowingi Solar Power Station can accommodate additional battery storage capacity as renewable energy demand grows. The project will play a key role in integrating renewables into the national grid and ensuring system reliability and stability. This reflects a growing trend in solar-plus-storage solutions, similar to FRV Australia’s recent project launch in Queensland, which also combines solar PV with batteries to enhance grid efficiency.
Construction on the Nowingi Solar Power Station is scheduled to begin in the coming months, with full operations expected by 2025. Once complete, it will mark a significant milestone in Australia’s clean energy transition and become a major contributor to the nation’s renewable capacity. The project is part of a wave of major investments in the sector, such as Neoen securing AUS$1.4B to expand its portfolio with 1.3 GW of new wind, solar, and storage projects across Australia.
