The Allen Labor government recently approved the construction of an 85-MW solar power plant and a 70-MW battery energy storage system in Melbourne's Bairnsdale area through the Development Facilitation Program (DFP). These two projects will significantly reduce local residents' energy bills while providing stable power to thousands of households in the Gippsland region. The DFP program has already facilitated the development of several energy projects, providing power to over 500,000 households across the state.

The power plant is estimated to be able to supply electricity to approximately 36,000 households annually, meeting their daily electricity needs. The accompanying 70-MW battery energy storage system will provide stable power to approximately 24,000 households during peak evening hours, effectively alleviating electricity shortages. The project will also create over 170 jobs and boost the local economy.

Since the DFP program was expanded to include renewable energy last year, the Labor government has facilitated the implementation of 18 projects, attracting over AU$4.9 billion in investment and creating approximately 1,900 new jobs. Once completed, these 18 projects will provide sufficient electricity for approximately 574,000 households annually. The battery storage system will be able to meet the evening peak electricity demand of nearly one million households, significantly improving energy security across the state.

The Labor government's record investment in renewable energy has ensured Victoria maintains the lowest wholesale electricity prices in the nation. Introducing more renewable energy will further optimize the energy mix and ensure long-term low electricity prices. Victoria has already met all of its previously set climate and energy targets and is on track to achieve its 95% renewable energy target by 2035. Achieving this target will generate A$9.5 billion in economic growth and create 67,000 jobs by 2040.