The SEC Renewable Energy Park – Horsham solar farm in western Victoria has connected to the electricity grid for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the state’s energy transition. This $370 million project, which includes a 119 MW solar farm and a 100 MW/200 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), moved from mechanical completion into its commissioning and energisation phase in early September 2026.
The development is a critical step towards the project’s full commercial operation in 2027, when it is expected to power over 51,000 Victorian homes annually with 100 per cent renewable electricity. The Horsham facility is notable as one of Australia’s first 100 per cent publicly-owned, utility-scale renewable energy projects, and the first to be built from scratch in Victoria by the State Electricity Commission (SEC).
Boosting Victoria’s Energy Security
The Horsham project underscores Victoria’s commitment to transitioning away from fossil fuels. It will play a vital role in supporting the planned retirement of coal assets, such as the Yallourn power station, scheduled to close in 2028. The integration of a substantial battery storage system alongside the solar farm highlights the growing recognition of energy storage as essential for grid stability and reliability, ensuring that renewable energy is available even when the sun isn’t shining.
Lane Crockett, Executive General Manager, Assets at SEC, emphasised the project’s importance:
“What we are marking today is one of the most important milestones on any renewable energy project as it moves from construction to contributing renewable energy to the grid.”
This commissioning phase involves a series of rigorous tests and safety checks to ensure the solar farm operates correctly and safely as it integrates with the existing electricity network. It will proceed through ‘hot commissioning’ and ‘hold point testing’ before reaching full operational status.
The Role of Hybrid Projects in Australia
The Horsham solar and battery hybrid design is increasingly becoming the standard for new large-scale renewable energy developments across Australia. These hybrid projects offer competitive costs and ease of construction, allowing for more consistent power supply compared to standalone solar or wind farms. The first solar-battery hybrid in the National Electricity Market (NEM) was formally opened recently at Quorn Park in NSW, demonstrating the growing maturity of this technology.
For Victorian households, the successful commissioning of projects like Horsham means a more diversified and resilient energy supply. While utility-scale projects differ from residential setups, the underlying principle of harnessing solar power and storing it for later use is the same. Homeowners considering their own solar journey can explore options for rooftop installations and battery storage. For more information on residential systems, refer to our guide on Solar System Installation Costs in Australia 2026: A Complete Guide.
Economic and Community Impact
Beyond its energy contributions, the SEC Renewable Energy Park – Horsham is also generating local jobs and developing skills in the region. In 2026, the SEC is investing $126,000 through a community fund across the Horsham local government area, with grants of up to $25,000 available for initiatives that strengthen local connections and build resilience. Over its lifetime, the project’s fund will invest a total of $3 million into local projects.
The increasing deployment of large-scale batteries, such as the 100 MW/200 MWh system at Horsham, complements the growing number of home battery installations across the country. While residential batteries offer individual household savings and greater energy independence, utility-scale storage plays a crucial role in balancing the grid and preventing power outages. Understanding the benefits of home batteries can be found in our guide: Best Home Batteries for Australian Homes 2026: Performance, Warranties & Value Compared.
As Australia’s energy landscape continues to evolve, the commissioning of projects like Horsham provides tangible progress towards a cleaner, more reliable power grid, ultimately contributing to a more robust system and improved Power Outage Preparedness 2026: Your $4,350+ Australian Home Resilience Guide.
Project at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Project Name | SEC Renewable Energy Park – Horsham |
| Location | Horsham, Western Victoria |
| Total Investment | AUD $370 million |
| Solar Capacity | 119 MW |
| Battery Capacity | 100 MW / 200 MWh |
| Homes Powered | Over 51,000 Victorian homes annually |
| Commissioning | Began early September 2026 |
| Operational Target | 2027 |
| Owner | State Electricity Commission (SEC) |
This significant investment in Victoria’s renewable energy infrastructure reinforces the state’s position at the forefront of Australia’s transition to a decarbonised electricity system. The project’s full operation next year will be keenly watched as it begins to deliver on its promise of reliable, clean power for thousands of Victorian consumers.