The 5.3.4A letter confirms that the project meets the latest technical requirements for grid connection under the National Electricity Market (NEM) framework.
The project is located near the Elaine Terminal Station in regional Victoria. It comprises a 150 MWp solar farm and a 125 Mwac battery energy storage system (BESS). The project covers 600 acres and features approximately 230,000 ground-mounted solar panels, generating enough clean renewable power for around 60,000 Victorian homes.
The Elaine project is Elgin’s first hybrid development to utilise SMA’s grid-forming inverters, delivered in close collaboration with SMA Australia as part of the project’s battery system. It is one of the largest hybrid renewable energy projects in Victoria and is a key contributor to the state’s renewable energy ambitions.
“This milestone demonstrates what can be achieved when experienced partners unite to enable reliable, utility-scale renewables” said John Alexander, Vice President Large Scale and Project Solutions at SMA Australia. “We are proud to support this landmark initiative with our grid-forming inverter technology, providing vital stability services as Australia transitions to a low-carbon energy future. Our grid-forming solutions go beyond hardware - they’re backed by software, engineering, and decades of expertise. We’re setting a new standard in energy storage and grid stability, and we thank Elgin for their strong collaboration and shared vision.”
SMA’s inverters will enable the battery system to deliver system strength charge mitigation, synthetic inertia, fast frequency response and short-circuit strength. These capabilities are crucial for maintaining a secure and resilient grid as more variable renewables come online.
The project features a fully integrated state-of-the-art-solution, including SMA’s market-leading Hybrid Power Plant Manager, Sunny Central PV inverters and Sunny Central Storage grid-forming battery inverters.
SMA also supported Elgin’s consultants with grid modelling services to ensure a streamlined and compliant connection process.
Construction is scheduled to commence in 2026, with commercial operations expected in 2027. Once operational, the project will create around 150 construction jobs and create ongoing employment opportunities during its estimated 40-year operational life.
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