Victorian gov’t OKs BrightNight’s hybrid RE project

This will be the largest in the state. 

BrightNight has received development approval for its Mortlake Energy Hub, which is set to become the largest integrated hybrid renewable energy project in Victoria.

The $700m project spans 1,060 hectares in Mortlake, and features 360 megawatts (MW) of solar generation capacity and a 300 MW battery energy storage system. Once operational, it can power nearly 140,000 homes, and eliminate more than 40 million tonnes of emissions annually.

"This approval marks a major milestone for BrightNight as we expand across the Asia Pacific and accelerate our mission to decarbonize energy," said Jerome Ortiz, CEO of BrightNight APAC. "As Victoria's largest hybrid renewable energy project, the Mortlake Hub will set a new benchmark and significantly contribute to Australia's transition to a low-carbon future."

The Mortlake Energy Hub was approved under the state's Development Facilitation Program. It is seen to help meet the state’s renewable energy targets of 65% by 2030 and 95% by 2035. 

Renewable energy currently accounts for just under 40% of Victoria's electricity supply.