The Victorian Government says early works have begun on the SEC Delburn Wind Farm near the Latrobe Valley, with construction scheduled to start in March and operations expected in 2028.
Minister for the State Electricity Commission Lily D’Ambrosio visited the site, where the 33-turbine project is planned to deliver up to 205 megawatts of renewable energy to the electricity grid. According to the government, this would be enough to power more than 130,000 homes.
The State Electricity Commission will hold 100 per cent ownership of the wind farm. The Victorian Government said in a news release.
The government said the project is expected to create more than 300 local jobs and deliver more than $22 million through neighbour and community benefit sharing programs over its operational life.
Local businesses and suppliers are being invited to participate in the construction and ongoing operation of the wind farm.
Minister D’Ambrosio said the project reflects the government’s broader energy policy objectives. “This project shows exactly why we brought the SEC back – to invest in renewable energy that delivers real benefits for Victorians, helps lower power prices and keeps generation in public hands,” she said.
She said the Delburn Wind Farm also marked a milestone for the region. “Delburn Wind Farm is a step forward for renewable energy in Gippsland, creating local jobs and securing reliable, affordable power while marking the SEC’s return to power generation in the region for the first time in 30 years,” she said.
Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said the project aimed to support both employment and energy affordability.
“We’re delivering cheaper power and local jobs by backing in renewable energy near the Latrobe Valley, with the SEC once again investing in publicly owned generation that puts downward pressure on power prices,” he said.
SEC chief executive officer Chris Miller said community and industry engagement would be a focus as the project progresses.
“The SEC Delburn Wind Farm is an important project for the SEC and the region. We’re looking forward to engaging with the Gippsland community on the many exciting work and supplier opportunities that it will offer,” he said.
The Victorian Government said the Delburn project is the first wind farm in the state to reach financial close in the past 12 months and forms part of the SEC’s target to deliver 4.5 gigawatts of renewable energy and storage by 2035.
