Massive solar and storage project in planning in Australia

Solis RE in Australia has proposed to build a 550 MW solar project with 550 MWh of battery storage capacity in Wellington Shire, state of Victoria called "Gippsland Renewable Energy Park".

The total investment for the project is expected to be AUD 1.28 billion(US$866.42 million). The initial funding was provided by the local investors.

The project will consist of three sites on a total area of 863 ha (2,133 acres) and will be built in demand-driven stages. The exact location of the sites has not been announced, but they will be on marginal dry farm land away from townships.

The first stage of the project will feature a 50 MW solar plant with 50 MWh of energy storage. The estimated investment of this stage is AUD125 million (US$85.7 million). Site 1 will be linked to the National Energy Market, with the connection agreement and planning approval targeted for March 2020. Sites 2 and 3 will feature 250 MW solar park with a 250 MWh battery storage facility each.

Solis RE hopes to complete the project within three to four years.

The project is in the planning process stage at the moment after positive discussions about the planning approval with the Wellington Shire Council.

Chief executive of Marathon Electrical said the project could make Wellington Shire "the renewable energy hub of Victoria". The project also addresses the commitment of the Government of Victoria to reach 50 per cent renewable target by 2030.