Victoria has refined its renewable energy zone (REZ) network following further assessment of the proposed Central North zone.
While VicGrid determined Central North will not be recommended for declaration, it suggested the central northern region of Victoria will still play an important role in the energy transition.
“With no new transmission projects planned and many generation projects already progressing in the area, VicGrid has determined there is limited capacity on the grid to support a (Central North) renewable energy zone,” VicGrid said in a LinkedIn post.
“VicGrid has also received significant feedback from community members and regional stakeholders on the proposed zone. Concerns raised include biodiversity, flooding and the significance of agricultural land in some areas of the zone.”
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The Central North REZ had been proposed across parts of the Campaspe, Greater Shepparton, Benalla and Greater Bendigo local government areas.
In announcing Victoria’s six declared REZs in June, VicGrid held Central North back to allow further technical assessment and community consultation before a final decision was made.
Existing renewable energy development in the region will not be halted, with a range of solar and battery projects currently progressing through relevant planning and connection processes.
VicGrid said other areas across the broader central northern region could also be considered for future REZs through subsequent Victorian Transmission Plan processes.
The decision leaves Victoria with six declared REZs: Central Highlands, Gippsland, Gippsland Shoreline, North West, South West and Western. Together, these zones will guide where new renewable generation, battery storage and transmission infrastructure is developed as Victoria’s energy transition progresses.