A huge new wind farm will power a hydroponic farm in western Victoria as part of a $565 million expansion.
The Nectar Farms business at Stawell will expand from 10 hectares to 40 and be powered by a new wind farm and battery storage facility, the state government announced on Tuesday.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says the project will make Stawell Nectar Farms the world's first ever protected crop farm completely powered by renewable energy.
"This really is a great example of what's possible when you have a Victorian renewable energy target, a government that's sensible, balanced, (and) job-friendly planning laws," Mr Andrews told reporters on Tuesday.
Three-quarters of the 1300 jobs created will be in construction, while about 270 will be ongoing at Nectar Farms and the wind facility.
The wind farm will include 56 turbines at a cost of $350 million.
Environment Victoria's Nick Aberle says the project shows the direction Australia needs to go in.
"Without renewable energy this project would have been impossible," Mr Aberle said.
"The wind farm and storage will provide low-cost, reliable energy while creating much-needed regional jobs."
