French renewable energy producer Neoen plans to establish 56 wind turbines and a 21-34 megawatt hour lithium-ion battery storage system outside Stawell.

The connection will include a transmission line and a terminal station linking to AusNet’s Victorian network.

AusNet Services commercial energy services executive general manager Chad Hymas said the electricity  infrastructure business had continued to strengthen its commitment to renewable energy generation across Australia.

“AusNet Services is pleased to partner with Neoen on this sizable wind and battery power hub,” he said. 

This is a win-win for community, business and the environment as it supports central western Victoria’s energy supply system, accelerates local business and contributes towards substantial job growth in the area.”

The agreement follows an extensive period of collaborative technical planning between AusNet Services and Neoen, in conjunction with industry and state planning bodies, and remains subject to customary conditions.

The Bulgana hub, once fully commissioned, was expected to generate more than 750,000 MWh of renewable electricity into the national power grid.

The estimated reduction in emissions was equivalent to taking 230,000 cars off the road or planting 1.2 million trees, with enough power to supply 130,000 Victorian homes with renewable energy.

The Bulgana and Nectar projects have been projected to create combined 1300 direct jobs in the Stawell region and 270 ongoing.

The Bulgana hub project is set to supply up to 15 per cent of its power to a new high-tech 40 hectare glasshouse facility being developed by Nectar Farms.

The other 85 per cent of power generated will be fed directly into the national power grid.