News

Lightsource bp has been awarded a planning permit for its West Mokoan Solar Farm near Benalla in the Hume Region of Victoria, and is now proceeding towards construction.

The project consists of an up to 390 MW DC solar farm and a 300 MW battery energy storage system located on two separate sites covering 770 hectares of land.

The BESS configuration is for approximately 224 battery units with 6250 kWh nominal capacity each representing a total installed DC capacity of 1400 MWh, connected to 112 central inverters.

The project will be connected to the 220kV Benalla Terminal Station.

Appointment of the EPC and operation and maintenance contractors is scheduled to start late this year, with early works expected to begin in early 2027.

Main construction of the solar farm is anticipated to begin in mid-2027, with completion expected in mid-2029.

Construction of the project is expected to provide up to 400 full time roles.

West Mokoan Solar Farm and BESS was successful in federal Capacity Investment Scheme Tender 1.