3 Oct 2024

Urbis is proud to announce its pivotal role in securing planning approvals for the Mortlake Energy Hub, Victoria’s largest integrated hybrid renewable energy project.

The project, led by global renewable power producer BrightNight, has received development approval from Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny. The Mortlake Energy Hub aligns with Victoria’s renewable energy targets of 65 per cent by 2030 and 95 per cent by 2035, and is expected to contribute significantly to the state’s economic development and job creation.

The team's proactive groundwork which led to an extremely detailed planning application, coupled with BrightNight's commitment to community engagement and responding to local and state government feedback, enabled the project to gain approval in under four months - a significant achievement for a project of this scale.

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“This is another example of how we are getting more renewable energy projects off the ground faster – providing cheaper and cleaner power for more than a hundred thousand homes,” – Acting Minister for Planning Colin Brooks.

Urbis drew together a multi-disciplinary team including planning, design, transport, and specialist technical consultants, working in collaboration with Ecological Australia and WSP to undertake the planning, design, and assessments of the project which spans 1,060 hectares in Mortlake.

“The team’s proactive groundwork which led to an extremely detailed planning application, coupled with BrightNight’s commitment to community engagement and responding to local and state government feedback, enabled the project to gain approval in under four months – a significant achievement for a project of this scale,” – Jon Mills, Director, Urbis.

The $700 million Mortlake Energy Hub combines a 360 megawatt solar energy facility with a 300 megawatt battery energy storage system. Once operational, it will power 140,000 homes and prevent 41,400,000 tonnes of emissions each year.

The project will create about 300 construction jobs and leverage the existing Mortlake Terminal Station to store energy and solar power, delivering more affordable and renewable energy to Victoria.

“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,” – Jerome Ortiz, CEO of BrightNight APAC.

Urbis is proud to have played a key role in this landmark project, demonstrating our commitment to shaping cities and communities for a better and more sustainable future. To learn more, get in touch with one of our Renewable Energy experts or a member of our Sustainability team.

Media Release: Mortlake Energy Hub to Power South West Victoria

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