Authorities say two coal-fired power stations' worth of renewable energy won't be able to reach the grid without major upgrades to networks in Victoria's west.

Developers are lining up to build wind and solar projects in towns to the west and north of Ballarat, in what is being hailed as another gold rush.

Read the full story on the ABC website, including commentary by Dr James Prest.

Watch the Landline program on the same issue.