- Published:
- Wednesday 9 April 2025
The Allan Labor Government is helping to build a cheaper energy future for Victorians with more renewable energy coming online while also creating more jobs and opportunities for local supply chains.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio announced the start of construction on the Fulham Solar Farm and battery in Gippsland, that will create local jobs and generate enough electricity to power 40,000 homes.
The Fulham Solar Farm is supported by the second Victorian Renewable Energy Target auction (VRET2) – a scheme that was set up to help more deliver more renewable energy into the grid and save Victorian families money on their energy bills.
The 80 megawatt (MW) solar farm will be coupled with a 64 MW/128 MWh battery – which will soak up the renewable energy from the sun while it is cheap and dispatch it back into the grid during peak demand.
Octopus Investments is driving the construction and operation of the project, investing more than $300 million towards the large scale energy facility which will support 156 jobs during construction.
The project will also use 67 percent of local services, goods and materials during construction and 97 percent once operational – this is part of the content requirement across all VRET2 projects to support local supply chains.
They will also invest a further $3 million towards engagement and benefit sharing with the local community for the 35 year operational life of the project – this will make sure that regional towns get additional benefits for hosting renewable energy projects.
The Labor Government's record investments in renewable energy means Victoria has the lowest wholesale power prices in the country – bringing online even more renewable energy will ensure prices stay low into the future.
Once complete, the VRET projects will have supported more than 1,720 direct jobs and attracted $2.48 billion of investment in new renewable energy projects. The SEC will power government schools, hospitals, police stations, libraries and other government operations with cheap renewable electricity from these projects.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio
“The Fulham Solar Farm will deliver more great jobs in Gippsland and cheaper energy bills for all Victorians.”
“This project is a fantastic example of how we’re working with industry to provide opportunities for local supply chains and local communities to benefit from our renewable energy future.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
“This project will generate new jobs and opportunities for local supply chains, boosting investment in the local economy.”