In a landmark move for the state's energy transition, Victoria has officially launched its first publicly owned wind farm. The Delburn Wind Farm is now operational in the coal-rich Latrobe Valley, signalling a significant strategic shift towards state-led renewable energy generation.
A New Era for the Latrobe Valley
The project, developed by the state government's State Electricity Commission (SEC), represents a direct intervention in the energy market. Located near the town of Mirboo North, the wind farm features 33 turbines with a combined capacity to power approximately 200,000 homes. This initiative is a core part of the government's pledge to revive public ownership in the power sector, a promise that featured prominently in its 2022 election campaign.
The location is deeply symbolic. The Latrobe Valley has been the heartland of Victoria's coal-fired electricity generation for decades. The commissioning of the Delburn wind farm on this terrain marks a tangible step in the region's economic diversification, aiming to provide new employment opportunities as the world moves away from fossil fuels.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The project's benefits are framed in both economic and environmental terms. During its peak construction phase, the wind farm created over 150 jobs, with a focus on employing local workers. The ongoing operational phase will continue to provide skilled employment in the area, helping to offset job losses associated with the decline of the coal industry.
Environmentally, the wind farm is a key component of Victoria's legislated target to achieve 95% renewable energy by 2035. By adding substantial clean energy capacity to the grid, the project directly displaces electricity that would otherwise be generated from greenhouse gas-emitting sources. The government estimates the farm will abate hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
Future Plans and Industry Response
The Delburn project is just the beginning for the revived SEC. The government has announced plans for the SEC to develop a second, even larger wind farm at Mortlake in the state's south-west. This indicates a long-term commitment to building a substantial portfolio of publicly owned renewable assets.
The move has been welcomed by renewable energy advocates and unions as a visionary step that ensures the public retains a stake and receives dividends from the energy transition. However, some energy market analysts have expressed caution, questioning the efficiency of state-owned enterprises compared to private sector development. Despite this, the government is proceeding, framing the initiative as essential for energy security, affordability, and a just transition for workers in traditional energy sectors.
The successful launch of the Delburn Wind Farm establishes a new model for Victoria. It demonstrates how state investment can accelerate the build-out of renewable infrastructure while aiming to deliver broader economic benefits to communities undergoing significant industrial change.
