The Victorian Government has released a comprehensive plan to transition the state to cheaper and more reliable renewable energy.
The plan ensures that communities and businesses benefit from an orderly shift away from traditional energy sources.
Titled “Cheaper, cleaner, renewable: Our plan for Victoria’s Electricity Future,” the plan outlines policies and programs to deliver around 25 gigawatts of new rooftop solar, offshore wind, onshore renewables, and energy storage capacity over the next decade.
This $35 billion investment is expected to create 59,000 jobs by 2035. It includes expanding training and apprenticeship programs to build a skilled workforce.
Lily D’Ambrosio, Victoria’s Minister for Energy and Resources said the State Government would deliver an affordable, reliable and secure electricity system for all Victorians, and this consolidated plan will ensure community and industry are at the centre of Victoria’s orderly transition.
“We mean business. We’re powering ahead with our big renewable energy build and creating and maintaining the right conditions for renewables investment,” she said.
According to the report, by 2035, Victoria’s electricity system will be fundamentally transformed.
Electricity use will have increased by about 50 percent or more, driven by homes and businesses switching to electricity and population growth.
At the same time, all of Victoria’s aging coal-fired power plants will have closed.
The plan aims to ensure the state maintains a steady power supply while reaching its target of 95 per cent renewable energy generation by 2035.
This is a significant increase from the current 39 per cent, which already exceeds the output of any of the state’s three remaining coal-fired generators.
While gas-fired electricity generation will play a role in supporting grid reliability and security, providing around 2-5 per cent of total electricity generation annually, the plan empowers households and businesses to lower their energy bills through initiatives like Solar Victoria and the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.
VicGrid, a collaborative effort involving landowners, local communities, and Traditional Owners, will ensure the benefits of the renewable energy infrastructure, including transmission, are shared equitably across the state.
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