VICTORIA’S new north-west renewable energy zone will produce about five per cent of wind and solar energy under the state’s transmission plan released on Sunday.
Plan modelling shows no wind and solar projects are currently committed in the zone that runs through northern Loddon districts and almost to Charlton.
Three scenarios on new wind and solar in the region by 2040 show between 0.4 and 1,.9GW of energy being produced, about five per cent of the total under each model.
“Communities in declared renewable energy zones will see increased investment in renewable generation and storage infrastructure over time,” VicGrid said.
“Project proponents will need to negotiate with landholders for rights to develop projects on their land and a landholder has a right to say no to having new renewable generation on their property. 
“Landholders who do agree to new renewable development will receive financial compensation that is negotiated with the developer.”
While key Murray River areas have been excluded from the zone that includes part of the Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Loddon and Buloke Shires, other irrigation areas still fall within zone boundaries.
VicGrid said: “We considered agricultural land uses when shaping the draft proposed REZ, including areas of irrigated farmland along the Murray River and near Tragowel and Kerang terminal stations. Engagement with agriculture industry stakeholders identified some areas of irrigated farmland as less compatible with renewable energy infrastructure, and these were taken into account.
“It is acknowledged that there are still several rivers, lakes, wetland systems, parks and reserves within this REZ all of which will require careful consideration when considering project location and design.”
VicGrid said that when identifying the  north-west zone it aimed to “carefully balance community concerns about the potential impacts of uncoordinated widespread development with developer interest and the pressing need to position renewable energy zones with access to strong wind and solar energy and near existing transmission lines.
“This proposed zone will help contain development and coordinate connections to the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) project and existing lines, and ensure regional benefits are delivered to those experiencing the impacts of infrastructure development.
“In response to feedback that the size and generation capacity of renewable energy zones needed to provide more flexibility, further assessment was undertaken to identify potential areas suitable to include in the zone. 
“Given the sensitive areas of biodiversity and land use surrounding the proposed North West Renewable Energy Zone, changes to the zone were limited to a small expansion south-west along the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) corridor, providing more options for future generation projects to connect to VNI West.”