General News
7 July, 2026
Fast-track solar farm bid lodged
SOLAR farm developer Potentia Energy is planning to receive State Government approvals for its Mologa project before Christmas.
SOLAR farm developer Potentia Energy is planning to receive State Government approvals for its Mologa project before Christmas.
The company last month lodged a planning application with the Department of Transport and Planning.
Potentia wants to build the Mologa Solar Hybrid - a 250MW Solar farm, a 250MW/4h storage battery for on-site energy storage and a terminal station to connect to the existing 220kV transmission line.
Plans for the solar farm were released last year at community consultation sessions.
Don Stewart, who farms near the proposed Bendigo-Pyramid Hill Road site, said he and neighbours were still waiting for answers on questions.
“They should be building solar farms where the people who will use the power are.
“We don’t pump water from 25km down the road to get water to our dairy.”
Potentia says the project is eligible for fast-tracked approval.
The company expected public exhibition of its permit plans to start within weeks for feedback before a decision by the Government.
There has been consultation by the company with government departments, Loddon Shire, members of Parliament and “community stakeholders, including neighbouring dwellings, the wider Mologa, Mitiamo and Pyramid Hill community, and community and representative groups.”
A Potentia Energy spokesperson said this week: “We are currently addressing requests for information received from referral agencies. After this, the project will enter public exhibition where will seek further feedback from the community and other stakeholders.
“We are currently engaging with the community on a range of queries and welcome engagement now and after the plans are exhibited.
“As guided by the VicGrid Community Engagement and Social Value Guidelines we are working with insurance providers to secure best outcome for all stakeholders and will continue to communicate with landholders on our progress.”
Meanwhile, proponents of a wind farm planned for Mincha say that project remains in early stages of development.
A spokesperson said this week: “European Energy Australia is still undertaking wind monitoring, ecological assessments and technical studies, including noise and visual impact assessments.
A preliminary layout is nearing completion and will be shared with the community for consultation in the coming weeks.
“We’re aiming to submit the project’s planning permit application in late 2026.”
European Energy said the project would consist of turbines, a substation and a new connection to the existing 220kV Kerang–Bendigo transmission line, which will be designed to “co-exist with ongoing farming activities.” The farm would have 40 turbines with a tip height of 250 metres.
European Energy established a small grants and sponsorship program last year.
The company says: “To date, $3000 in grants has been approved through the program and we’re hoping to receive more applications from community groups to support local initiatives.”
More than 120 people packed Pyramid Hill Memorial Hall last September for a meeting organised by Loddon Valley Renewable Awareness Group.
Opponents of the two district projects were told they would change the face of the community and “our lives forever”.
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