Victoria to Launch First Publicly Owned Windfarm Delburn in Latrobe Valley
The Victorian State Electricity Commission (SEC) will acquire the Delburn windfarm for $650 million. Located in the Latrobe Valley in Gippsland, the site overlooks the former Hazelwood coal-fired power station, which closed in 2017 and had its chimneys demolished in 2020. The windfarm will feature 33 turbines with a total capacity of 205 MW.
Construction of Delburn is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with the windfarm expected to be fully operational by 2028. It has a planned operational lifespan of at least 35 years. Once operational, the windfarm is forecast to generate enough electricity to power approximately 130,000 homes and create over 300 local jobs.
Delburn will mark Victoria's first publicly owned windfarm, with profits from the SEC being reinvested into further renewable energy projects. Alongside Delburn, the commission's renewable portfolio now exceeds 1 GW in generation capacity, advancing the state's 2035 goal of achieving 4.5 GW of renewable generation and storage.
The project is being developed by OSMI Australia, with turbines supplied and installed by Vestas. Victoria's Energy and Climate Minister Lily D'Ambrosio highlighted the significance of renewed public ownership and the future of Gippsland in the energy transition. SEC chief executive Chris Miller emphasized the region's pivotal role in this transition.
Earlier in December, the SEC also activated the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub, a 600 MW battery which stands as the largest battery connected to Victoria's eastern grid to date.
