Australia: Wind power drives Nectar Farms expansion
Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio to announce that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has now been formalised for the $565 million project, which will build a huge wind farm with battery storage to power the expansion of Nectar Farms.
Backed by the Labor Government’s Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, Nectar Farms is currently undertaking Stage 1 of their major project, which will use the latest in hydroponic glasshouse and plant technology to create a 10 hectare state-of-the-art facility.
This modern facility will supply vegetables into domestic and international markets.
Nectar Farms is now looking to start work on the $215 million Stage 2 of their expansion plans, which will develop a further 30 hectares creating 250 ongoing jobs and 300 direct and indirect construction jobs.
The co-located 196MW Bulgana Green Power Hub backed up by a 20MW battery will make the expansion a reality by providing the secure and affordable energy that Nectar Farms needs for its hydroponic greenhouses.
Adding to the wind farm building blitz in Western Victoria, the 56 turbine $350 million wind farm is expected to create another 800 direct and indirect jobs during construction, with a further 19 ongoing once built.