Neoen has achieved full-scale commercial operation of its Bulgana Green Power Hub located at Stawell in the Australian state of Victoria.
The hybrid power plant consists of a 204MW wind farm, with 56 turbines, and a 20MW/34 megawatt-hour Tesla battery storage system.
The project has the capacity to generate 750,000 MWh of electricity a year, enough to power about 150,000 homes.
Bulgana Green Power Hub is underpinned by a 15-year support agreement with the Victorian government, contributing towards the state’s Victorian Renewable Energy Target of 50% by 2030.
The A$350m (€224m) investment has delivered an economic boost to the Wimmera region through the creation of over 150 construction jobs and five full-time permanent positions.
Neoen said that, now that the hub is operating, it is estimated to be generating annual benefits of A$40.6m for the Victorian economy, according to an independent economic impact report.
Local community-building and sustainability initiatives are being supported through an annual A$120,000 Community Benefit Fund established by Neoen and administered by the Northern Grampians Shire Council.
Neoen Australia managing director Louis de Sambucy said: “This is a major step forward for our Victorian asset portfolio, taking it to 652MW with a well-balanced combination of wind, solar and battery storage.
“Connecting our Bulgana Power Hub to the grid was a long and challenging process, but we are proud of having overcome it thanks to the team’s dedication.
“We extend our sincere thanks to the Victorian Government for continuing to place their trust in us.
“We are delighted to be delivering clean, affordable and reliable energy for Victorian consumers and are committed to continuing to play our part in Victoria’s renewable energy transition.”
Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said: “Victoria is the country’s home of big batteries.
“The Bulgana Green Power Hub was made possible thanks to a support contract from the Victorian Government, and has delivered 200MW of new clean, renewable energy and another big battery for the State.
“It’s a significant step towards delivering our Victorian Renewable Energy Targets, which are creating jobs, driving down energy prices and helping us halve emissions by 2030.”