Green light for $3 billion clean energy jobs project in regional Victoria

The Albanese Government is funding regional jobs and clean energy by unlocking investment in the Golden Plains Wind Farm near Rokewood in regional Victoria.

TagEnergy’s Golden Plains Wind Farm has received $175 million in debt finance through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), to help unlock the $3 billion project.

Construction for stages 1 and 2 of the project will create 700 jobs and another 70 full-time ongoing positions. This project is good for jobs in regional Victoria.

This financing will help to deliver 122 of the farm’s 215 turbines.

When complete, the 1,300 MW project will: 

• Generate enough electricity to meet 8% of the state’s energy demand
• Power more than 765,000 homes
• Help lower CO2 emissions by more than 4 million tonnes.

The 300-megawatt battery that will be built as part of the project will ensure the affordable, renewable energy it produces is more secure and reliable.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said this rural Victorian wind farm is a positive sign for future renewable energy investments.

“The Albanese Government is committed to transforming Australia into a renewable energy superpower and this project is one part of making that goal a reality,” Minister Bowen said.

“Regional Australia can and should benefit from economic opportunities in new energy industries. The Albanese Government is making sure that happens. 

“The Golden Plains Wind Farm will put cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy into the grid and will create 700 jobs in rural Victoria.” 

Landholder consultation and engagement, detailed design, large-scale procurement of infrastructure and local road upgrades have already commenced.

Local landholders will continue to use their land for broad acre cropping and livestock grazing during construction of the wind farm and throughout its expected 30-year operating life.