Edify Energy has proposed a major new solar-plus-storage facility in Victoria, signaling another significant step in the state’s transition to renewable energy. The project, named the Nowingi Solar Power Station, is set to combine a high-capacity solar farm with one of the largest battery storage systems proposed in the region, underscoring the growing importance of integrated energy solutions.
Project Overview of Victoria solar storage
The proposed Nowingi Solar Power Station will feature a 300MWac solar PV power plant developed alongside a massive battery energy storage system (BESS) with a capacity of up to 300MW/2,400MWh. This impressive 8-hour duration battery highlights a strategic move towards providing long-lasting, dispatchable power to support grid stability.
Located approximately 47 kilometers south of Mildura, the project will span 637 hectares of predominantly cleared agricultural land. This development is a crucial component in helping Victoria meet its ambitious renewable energy goals, which target 65% renewable energy by 2030 and 95% by 2035, on the path to net-zero emissions by 2045. The sheer scale of such a project requires a deep understanding of the basics of solar panel manufacturing and complex supply chains to bring it to life.
Environmental and Agricultural Integration for Victoria solar storage
Edify Energy has submitted the project for approval under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, indicating a thorough approach to environmental assessment.
A standout feature of the Nowingi proposal is its incorporation of agrivoltaics (agriPV). This innovative approach allows for the continuation of agricultural practices, such as sheep grazing, under and around the solar arrays. By designing the project to coexist with farming, Edify aims to maximize land use efficiency and demonstrate the compatibility between renewable energy generation and agriculture. This model is similar to practices at Edify’s other Victorian sites, including the Peninsula Solar Farm and Muskerry Solar Power Station.
Edify Energy’s Track Record in Victoria solar storage
Edify Energy brings a wealth of experience to this proposal, having successfully developed and managed numerous large-scale renewable energy projects across Australia. The company was behind the 333MWdc solar farm in Darlington Point, New South Wales, and currently manages the pioneering Gannawarra Energy Storage System and Gannawarra Solar Farm in Victoria, which have been operational since 2018. This extensive portfolio demonstrates their capability in delivering complex solar and storage solutions.
Victoria’s Renewable Energy Landscape with solar storage
The Nowingi proposal joins a growing list of significant renewable energy developments in Victoria, which is rapidly becoming a hub for clean energy investment. The state has seen a surge in similar large-scale projects, including the recently approved Meadow Creek Solar Farm: Impressive 332MW Project Approved and plans for the massive Hazelwood North Solar Farm: Victoria’s Largest Project Approved. These projects, along with others like the one secured by Engie SA Secures 250MW Solar Project in Victoria, are transforming the region’s energy profile.
The inclusion of a substantial 8-hour battery at Nowingi is particularly noteworthy. It reflects a broader industry trend where Impressive BYD energy storage: 300MWh Plan is Essential for grid stability and enabling higher penetration of renewables. Projects like this are critical for storing excess solar energy generated during the day and dispatching it during evening peaks or when the sun isn’t shining. The momentum behind such integrated projects is clear, as highlighted by the progress of the Nowingi Solar Power Station Approved: A Milestone for Australia.
By combining solar generation with long-duration storage, the Nowingi Solar Power Station is poised to provide a stable, reliable, and clean energy supply, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and strengthen Australia’s electricity grid.
If you want to learn more about the fundamentals of solar technology and the industry, check out our free e-course to get started.
