Home / Environment / Victoria Powers Up with First Public Windfarm
Victoria Powers Up with First Public Windfarm
23 Dec
Summary
- Victoria's first publicly owned windfarm, Delburn, has been purchased for $650m.
- Construction begins in early 2026, aiming for full operation by 2028.
- The project signals a new era of renewable energy investment in Latrobe Valley.
Victoria's State Electricity Commission has purchased the Delburn windfarm for $650 million, marking the state's first publicly owned wind generation project. This 205-megawatt initiative will feature 33 turbines in the Latrobe Valley, a region transitioning from its coal-dependent past. Construction is scheduled to commence in early 2026, with the windfarm expected to be fully operational by 2028, providing power for approximately 130,000 homes.
The acquisition of the Delburn project by the revived State Electricity Commission, which was re-established in 2022, signifies a renewed focus on public ownership of renewable energy assets. The commission's CEO highlighted the Latrobe Valley's pivotal role in Victoria's energy future, moving from fossil fuels to renewable generation and storage. All profits generated by the commission's operations will be reinvested into further renewable energy projects.
This development is seen by climate advocates as a significant turning point for the Latrobe Valley, once dominated by private coal plants and home to the now-demolished Hazelwood power station. The Delburn windfarm's turbines will serve as a new, prominent icon on the landscape, symbolizing the region's transformation. The project will operate for at least 35 years and is expected to create over 300 local jobs.
