General News
22 November, 2024
Horsham’s $370M energy project
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for the State Electricity Commission Lily D'Ambrosio, were in Horsham on Tuesday to announce a $370 million investment in a project that will see close to 250 jobs created in the town.
In what will be the first 100 per cent government owned energy generator in Victoria, since the state's energy system was privatised, the SEC Renewable Energy Park will be capable of generating around 242,000 megawatts of renewable energy a year.
That is enough energy to power 51,000 homes - five times the number of houses in Horsham.
Around 246 jobs will be created during construction, including 20 apprentices, cadets and trainees.
The community will benefit from the project, not only with an employment increase, but the SEC will set up a benefits fund- working with the community to invest $42,000 a year back into the area during the construction of the project, and a further $70,000 every year once it's operational.
Member for Western Victoria, Jacinta Ermacora, said the SEC had kick started construction on the project making it better and bigger.
"Delivering more local jobs for Horsham and additional funds for the community to invest in the things that matter most to them," she said.
Coming online in 2027, the Energy Park will be used to provide 100 per cent renewable electricity to Government offices, hospitals and schools.
The battery storage will bank solar from the sun and deploy it later to cut electricity prices.
The battery storage will also allow more renewable generation to come online by holding power, until it’s ready to be fed into the grid based on demand.
Premier Allan said the Government were building the future with the SEC.
"Creating jobs, reducing bills and delivering reliable renewable energy across the state," she said.
“Bringing back the State Electricity Commission is all about giving power and profit back to the people.”