Construction of a new solar farm and battery at Nhill is now complete and has successfully connected to the electricity grid – supplying cheap renewable energy to power operations at Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water (GWMWater).
This Nhill Renewable Energy Facility covers 70 percent of the electricity consumed by GWMWater’s 330 sites, propelling the water corporation toward achieving 100 percent renewable electricity by 2025 and reaching net zero emissions by 2035.
The facility comprises 6.5 megawatt (MW) solar farm with a 2.75 MW (6.5 MWh) battery system fully integrated and connected to the local grid.
This investment in renewable energy will help lower power bills for GWMWater, which means they can continue to deliver affordable water and sewer services to the community.
The facility is being jointly developed, owned and operated between GWMWater and Vibe Energy, an energy infrastructure company based in South Australia.
The energisation of the Vibe Energy high-voltage connection asset is the first stage in the commissioning of the Nhill Renewable Energy Facility, and a major milestone for the project. The project is expected to be fully commissioned by mid-2025.
Victoria is on track to reach its target of 95 percent renewable energy generation by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2045.
Quote attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Action Sheena Watt
“This solar farm and battery will be a great asset for the local water corporation, helping to reduce their running costs and help provide affordable water services into the future.”
Quote attributable to Grampian Wimmera Mallee Water Managing Director Mark Williams
“The connection to the electricity grid represents a significant leap forward for GWMWater, working towards becoming a carbon-neutral, net-generator of electricity.”
