Siemens announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a technology partner with Marathon Group, an important renewable energy developer and innovator in Victoria's Gippsland region, to help support the region's energy transition. The Gippsland corridor is critical to the success of the recently announced offshore wind projects proposed for development off the coast of Gippsland, the first offshore wind projects in Australia.
The MoU comes at a time when Gippsland goes through a once in a lifetime energy transition as existing coal fired power stations are being retired, paving the way for renewable energy projects in the region. Pivotal to this transition, and a key intent of the MoU, is securing the energy transmission corridor and working collaboratively with the community and local business.
Commending both parties on the MoU, Victoria's Minister for Climate Action, Energy and Resources and the State Electricity Commission Lily D'Ambrosio said, "Victoria is proudly Australia's offshore wind leader with our legislated targets starting at least 2 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2032. I congratulate Siemens and Marathon Group on their MoU, which highlights the strength of our growing renewable energy industry."
Making the announcement to customers and stakeholders at the recent Siemens Beyond 1% event in Melbourne, Peter Halliday, CEO of Siemens Australia and New Zealand said, "Over a century ago, in 1911, Siemens' consulting engineers advised the State of Victoria that Latrobe Valley in Gippsland should be the state's electricity hub. This led to the construction of the Yallourn Power Station, the first large power station in the Valley that helped establish the region as an electricity powerhouse. One hundred and thirteen years later, we're proud to announce the MoU with Marathon Group to help the region and the communities through the next phase of energy transition. Our longevity in the region comes from bringing in world-class technology to the areas that need it the most and from collaborating with like-minded and respected partners like Marathon Group.
"The MoU outlines our position as a technology partner to Marathon Group as they work on upcoming energy projects in Gippsland. Siemens technology will support their efforts and ambitions and play an important role in the state's energy transition, that will ultimately support Australia's efforts in reducing carbon emissions and achieving net zero by 2050."
Marathon Group has played a significant role in Gippsland's energy system since the company was founded almost 40 years ago. A consolidated group of companies, some of their projects in the region have included a waste to hydrogen circular economy project, large scale solar, containerised renewables and hydrogen, major transport and infrastructure developments and large-scale storage.
Speaking on the MoU, Brett Singh, founder and Director of Marathon Group of companies said, "Gippsland is one of the most significant regions in Australia when it comes to the energy transition. Some of the largest power stations in the country that are in this region will soon be retired to make way for new forms of energy, which is great news. However, a once-in-a-generation transition like this needs significant focus, collaboration and consultation to ensure we put in place systems that are sustainable now and in future. Having worked in the local community for almost 40 years, we not only have a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities of the region but are deeply committed to doing what's best for our communities, our people and for our future generations.
"However, we can't go at it alone. Which is why it's great to have a global technology giant like Siemens, who have supported Victoria's energy journey since the beginning, now continuing to support our region as we transition to a more renewable future."
Gippsland has been identified by the state government as one of six Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) for Victoria. The region's Wellington Shire Council will play a key role in leading and supporting the development of reliable and clean energy resources for the community.
Ian Bye, the Mayor of Wellington Shire welcomed the MoU saying that it would take a 'all hands-on deck' approach to tackle current and future energy transition challenges in the region. "Gippsland is one of the most diverse regions in the state with our leadership in a variety of sectors including agriculture, dairy and energy resources. This diversity requires significant understanding and collaboration at every level and a commitment to the long-term future of the region, especially when it comes to energy transition. Whilst we're proud of local companies like Marathon Group for their long-term commitment to our region and to supporting our community, it is great to see a leading technology company such as Siemens committed to supporting our transition. I welcome this MoU and look forward to working with everyone involved."
