BrightNight Receives Approval for Victoria’s Largest Hybrid Renewable Project

BrightNight has obtained government approval for the Mortlake Energy Hub, Victoria's largest hybrid renewable energy project, investing $700 million and creating over 300 local jobs.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The Mortlake Energy Hub by BrightNight, located in Mortlake, Australia, represents a major advancement in Victoria’s renewable energy sector. With an investment of 700 million Australian dollars, this hybrid project integrating solar and energy storage technologies is set to become the largest of its kind in the region.

Spanning 1,060 hectares, the project will include a solar generation capacity of 360 MW as well as a 300 MW battery energy storage system. Once operational, the Mortlake Energy Hub will be capable of providing dispatchable renewable energy to nearly 140,000 homes, thus contributing over 1% of Victoria’s total electricity consumption. Additionally, this project will prevent the emission of more than 40 million tons of greenhouse gases annually.

Government Approval and Support

The project has received approval from the Victorian government under the Development Facilitation Program (DFP), an initiative aimed at accelerating projects supporting the state’s economic growth and climate goals. The Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, stated that the Mortlake Energy Hub would support Victorian households and businesses by providing more affordable energy. Meanwhile, Acting Minister for Planning, Colin Brooks, praised the project as an excellent example of how renewable energy initiatives can be implemented quickly.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The Mortlake Energy Hub is expected to create over 300 local jobs, both during the construction phase and in ongoing operations. This economic dynamism is essential for the region, strengthening Victoria’s position as a leader in the clean energy sector. Furthermore, the project will significantly contribute to Victoria’s renewable energy goals, targeting 65% by 2030 and 95% by 2035.

Community Engagement and Sustainable Development

BrightNight has placed community engagement at the heart of its development process. The company works closely with local stakeholders to ensure that the Mortlake Energy Hub meets community needs and fosters sustainable partnerships. Polly Baranco, Country Head of BrightNight Australia, emphasized that the hub is not only a cornerstone of energy innovation but also a catalyst for regional growth. “We are committed to rigorous planning, high environmental standards, and building lasting relationships with the community,” she added.

Contribution to Energy Transition

As part of Australia’s Net Zero Plan and initiatives such as Powering Australia, the Mortlake Energy Hub will play a vital role in expanding renewable energy, reducing emissions, and supporting job creation and economic growth. This project illustrates BrightNight’s commitment to decarbonizing the energy sector and setting new standards for hybrid projects in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Lightshift Energy has secured $75mn in funding from KeyBanc to support six operational projects and launch ten more, in response to rising demand for electric storage on the US East Coast.
Austrian battery optimisation specialist enspired enters Japan in partnership with Banpu NEXT, backed by a Series B extension to over €40mn.
Ameresco has completed a 50 MW battery storage system to support Nucor’s expansion in Arizona, marking one of the largest behind-the-meter industrial projects in the United States.
Rondo Energy has launched commercial operations of the world’s largest industrial heat battery, delivering 24-hour steam from off-grid solar power.
SUNOTEC expands in the Bulgarian market with seven projects combining battery and solar, totalling 763 MWh of storage and 115 MWp of photovoltaic capacity.
Danish fund Copenhagen Infrastructure IV transfers half of its stake in the UK-based Coalburn 2 project to AIP Management, strengthening AIP's energy storage portfolio in the United Kingdom.
Lyten has completed the acquisition of the Northvolt Dwa site in Poland, Europe’s largest energy storage system factory, and plans to deliver its first commercial units before the end of 2025.
SNG Holdings launched trial operations of a 2MW/6MWh energy storage facility in Gotemba, backed by Digital Grid and PHOTON, ahead of commercial commissioning scheduled for November.
The Winchester project will combine 160 MW of storage with two 80 MW solar plants in Cochise County, with delivery expected in early 2027.
Greenflash Infrastructure has acquired a 200 MW standalone storage project in Texas, marking a strategic asset transfer aimed at reinforcing local grid reliability.
Gotion High-Tech presented in Saudi Arabia a modular 20 MWh storage solution aimed at strengthening the country's energy capacity under its Vision 2030 strategy.
The Japanese developer has commissioned a storage unit in Karatsu and plans to deploy 80 facilities by the end of 2026, relying on agreements with local governments and industrial partners.
Energy Plug, Malahat Battery Technology and Quantum eMotion sign strategic agreement to develop quantum-secured energy storage systems, including a NATO-aligned defence initiative.
Greenflash Infrastructure has finalised the acquisition of Rock Rose, a 200 MW energy storage project located in Fort Bend County, to strengthen its ERCOT market portfolio.
SALA Energy commissions its first grid-scale battery storage facility using sodium-sulfur batteries, supported by both public and private financing.
Utility-scale battery storage system costs continue to fall across Asia-Pacific, but the pace of reductions is expected to slow significantly by 2029, according to Wood Mackenzie projections.
StarCharge has secured a 500MWh energy storage order through a strategic agreement with ENERGY INVESTMENT LLC, strengthening its position in rapidly evolving Eastern European markets.
The Vilvoorde site in Belgium now hosts 400 MWh of operational capacity on a total 800 MWh project, marking a key milestone for electricity storage on the continent.
Idemitsu Kosan has commissioned a 15MW/48MWh energy storage facility in Himeji, marking the start of its deployment in grid-scale storage with Japanese public funding.
The Australian government awarded contracts to 20 renewable and storage projects, surpassing the initial 6GW goal under the fourth round of the Capacity Investment Scheme.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.