West Mokoan Solar

A 380MWdc solar farm and battery energy storage system (BESS).

The West Mokoan Solar Farm project consists of a 380MWdc solar farm and battery energy storage system (BESS). The project is made up of two separate sites, located on Benalla-Yarrawonga Road, Benalla, in the Hume Region of Victoria. The whole of the solar farm covers 713 hectares of land, which has been predominantly used for grazing.

The southern site, known as Kennedys Creek and the northern site, known as West Mokoan each received development approval from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), now the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) in November 2020 and 2022, respectively. Following changes to the concept design, the project is seeking a new planning approval to update the design and consolidate both permits for construction and operations. This application will facilitate an increase in battery storage capacity and allow the two sites to be developed and operated as a single integrated project.

Lightsource bp will construct and operate the project, delivering renewable energy to Australia’s grid. The project includes a BESS to shift renewable energy to night-time peaks and support the reliable operation of Australia’s grid. Operation and maintenance buildings, civil works, and electrical infrastructure required to connect to the existing electricity network will be developed as part of the project. Once the proposed amendment is approved, construction of the project is expected to provide up to 450 full time construction roles.