Renewable power producer BrightNight announced on Wednesday that it has received approval to connect its 660-MW hybrid renewable energy complex to the grid in Victoria, Australia. The permit, granted by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), covers the developer's Mortlake Energy Hub, which will be the largest complex of its type in the southeastern state.
The Mortlake Energy Hub will feature 360 MW of solar power and 300 MW of battery energy storage. According to BrightNight, this project is the first hybrid renewable energy proposal in Victoria to obtain AEMO-approved generator performance standards for the 500-kV transmission network.
The complex will integrate photovoltaic (PV) panels with agricultural activities such as grazing. Once operational, it is expected to produce enough electricity to meet the annual consumption of approximately 140,000 homes, representing over 1% of Victoria's total power demand.
BrightNight plans to begin construction on the project next year.
“The Mortlake Hub is the most advanced project in BrightNight's Australia portfolio and provides a blueprint for our upcoming projects as we approach gigawatt-scale buildout in the market,” said Polly Baranco, country head of BrightNight Australia.
