Providence Asset Group already operates solar farms at Katamatite, Numurkah, Echuca West, Echuca and Stanhope, as well as 28 solar farms across NSW.
The company would not reveal the exact locations of the six new Victorian sites, saying they are in the same regional areas as the five existing sites.
Providence chief technical officer Llewellyn Owens explained why the company chose northern Victoria for its 5 MW and 10 ha sites.
“We chose the sites on solar intensity and suitably of the grid,” he said.
“Then we looked around the local farms to see which ones would work.
“Our solar farms don't provide a burden on the infrastructure as they don't take up half a farm, they take up a paddock.
“We work with the farmer to see which is the least productive paddock and make a decision.
“We have a long-term lease with the owner and the solar farms operate for 25 to 35 years.”
Providence chief executive Henry Sun said the new Victorian sites would feature ground-breaking hydrogen storage technology — a first for Australian solar projects.
Hydrogen facilities enable the storage of surplus electricity more cost-effectively than the lithium batteries currently used.
Providence has worked with the University of New South Wales to develop the new technology known as H2Store.
A total of 30 MWh of advanced hybrid storage technology — including hydrogen storage and traditional Li-ion batteries — will be attached to each site.
Under the company's plan for NSW and Victoria, hydrogen storage could accommodate up to 1.2 GWh of clean energy, or enough to power 40,000 homes for six hours during peak demand periods.
Mr Sun said there were potential local investment opportunities for communities hosting the solar farms, as well as the prospect of cheaper electricity under power purchase agreements.
“Providence recognises the enormous opportunities that exist in our regions and we’re excited to be partnering with regional communities and offering opportunities for more affordable energy and even local investment,” he said.
“It’s particularly gratifying for us to be making this investment in Victoria at this time, too, which has suffered so badly at the hands of this pandemic.”
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