General News
18 October, 2025
Modelling of Mologa solar farm site starts
FLOOD studies of the site for a proposed solar farm will “inform the proposed project design layout and constructability of the site”.
FLOOD studies of the site for a proposed solar farm will “inform the proposed project design layout and constructability of the site”.
Potentia Energy last week released an indicative site plan at drop-in information sessions in Mitiamo and Pyramid Hill.
More than a dozen company representatives met local landowners to explain plans that could be submitted for State Government approval before Christmas.
Questions on flood and fire mitigation, insurance risks and site access were raised with Potentia.
The site, partially bounded by Bendigo-Pyramid Road Mologa-Durham Ox Road and Mitiamo-Kerang Road - would include a battery energy storage system and sub-station within metres of the Bendigo-Kerang Transmission line recommended for a doubling of capacity under VicGrid’s renewable energy plans.
A Potentia spokesperson said: “The proposed Mologa Solar Hybrid Project remains in the early design phase, with the site layout subject to iterative design and refinement based on environmental, technical, and community input.
“Local environmental conditions, including flood risk management are key considerations in the project’s design.
“Comprehensive hydrological assessments, including detailed flood modelling, are underway to inform the proposed project design layout and constructability of the site,” the spokesperson said.
Expected to host thousands of solar panels. Potentia said fire management was an integral part of project planning and operational approach across its entire portfolio.
“The proposed project design will adhere to the Country Fire Authority renewable energy guidelines and associated technical requirements. It will include robust prevention, response, and emergency access measures tailored to local conditions,” the spokesperson said. “Should development approval be granted, an emergency management plan would be developed in consultation with the CFA. This plan would outline fire prevention controls, response procedures, and coordination protocols for the lifetime of the project.” The nearest CFA brigades in Mitiamo and Pyramid Hill are 10 minutes from the proposed solar farm site.
Potentia said on-site staff numbers were still be determined.
“Subject to obtaining necessary approvals, once operational, a site of this nature would typically be managed by a small team focused on monitoring and maintenance, with contractors and suppliers engaged as needed,” the spokesperson said.
“On-site staffing levels would be confirmed closer to construction completion as part of the operational planning.”
Potentia says it is anticipating a a decision from the Government within six to nine months of lodging the planning application and wants to start construction within two years.
Solar farm projects at Campbells Forest and Derby are still to start, now up to two years behind proposed transmission start dates. No start has been made on those sites and proponents of the two projects have been unable to be contacted by the Loddon Herald.
There are at least six renewable energy projects being proposed around Loddon communities.
European Energy has written to landowners and neighbours in the Mincha district about plans for a wind and solar factory.
Meetings with farmers are scheduled to start next week but no details have been released by the company of community consultations.
Read More: Mologa, Mitiamo, Pyramid Hill