A new large-scale energy project in Nhill has revealed how regional water utilities can harness renewable power for sustainability and cost control.
In Victoria’s Wimmera region, a quiet shift is happening. A new solar and battery facility near Nhill is showing how water utilities can make their own energy, cut costs, and rely less on external power. As the sector faces rising electricity prices and ambitious sustainability goals, projects like this mark a shift in how utilities manage energy.
Harnessing the sun’s power
The Nhill Renewable Energy Facility will include more than 9000 solar panels, producing 6.5 megawatts (MW) of solar energy. A 2.75 MW (6.7 megawatt-hour) battery storage system will support this, ensuring a steady power supply.
This is the first time a regional water authority has run a large-scale energy project connected directly to the local electricity grid.
Manager of Strategic Infrastructure Projects at GWMWater, Graeme Dick said the project is a big step in its plan to secure affordable, sustainable energy.
“We are focused on using renewables to meet our electricity needs. The Nhill facility will help us reach our 100 per cent renewables goal and give us better control over costs,” Dick said.
A strategic move towards sustainability
The project is a significant step toward the utility’s goal of using only renewable electricity by 2025 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2035. This follows a broader industry shift towards renewable energy in water management.
“Our long-term goal is not just to offset our energy use but to become a net generator of renewable electricity,” Dick said. “By investing in large-scale renewables, we secure our energy supply while reducing our exposure to changing electricity markets. This facility will cover most of our electricity demand, and if conditions are right, we could generate extra power to help our customers and the region.”
Economic and community impact
Beyond reducing emissions, the Nhill project will have economic benefits. By making its own power, the utility can control rising costs and keep pricing more stable for customers. The project also supports local jobs and investment in renewable infrastructure.
Dick said a key reason for the project’s success is its partnership with Vibe Energy. The company had already secured land, planning permits, and a grid connection, helping the project avoid early challenges. Its support made the development process smoother, with both teams bringing their expertise to deliver a facility that meets the region’s energy needs.
“Our partnerships with project developer Vibe Energy and contractor Next Generation Electrical have been key to managing the complexities of renewable energy,” Dick said. “They brought experience and innovation, ensuring the project stayed on track despite challenges like securing approvals and adding battery storage. Their flexibility and commitment to the region’s energy future has made this a strong collaboration.”
Paving the way for industry peers
He said this project could be a model for other utilities looking to use renewable energy as energy costs remain unstable and sustainability goals become stricter.
“We believe this model has real potential for regional businesses and utilities,” Dick said. “For organisations like ours with many small sites, one large-scale facility is a smarter alternative to installing solar and batteries everywhere. It’s a practical way to control energy costs and support regional sustainability.”
For more information, visit gwmwater.org.au
Related Articles:
- Largest renewable energy project powers water in the Hunter
- Productivity Commission to explore circular economy benefits
- GWMWater’s solar farm takes the next step in Nhill