Australia, Projects, Renewables, Solar

New solar farms to power Regional Victoria

The Victorian Government has confirmed construction has begun on some of Victoria’s largest solar projects, including the 250-megawatt (MW) Goorambat East Solar Farm.

Announced by Victoria’s Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio, the Goorambat East project will be capable of powering all households in the Rural City of Benalla and Rural City of Wangaratta twice over with affordable renewable energy.

Led by energy company ENGIE, the project is expected to create approximately 250 jobs, bolstering regional employment during construction and operation.

Once operational in 2027, the solar farm will also contribute $75,000 annually to a community benefit fund for at least 25 years, ensuring sustained local impact.

“Victoria’s future is renewable and the more renewable energy generation that comes online the more downward pressure is put on power bills for Victorians,” Minister D’Ambrosio said.

“It’s great to see companies like ENGIE invest in renewable energy generation projects in Victoria following the closure of their Hazelwood coal fired power generator in 2017.”

In tandem with the new construction, Minister D’Ambrosio also celebrated the completion of the nearby 99 MW Winton Solar Farm.

Developed by Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, the Winton Solar Farm recently concluded commissioning and now feeds renewable energy into Victoria’s electricity grid.

This facility alone can power 52,000 homes and created 200 jobs during its construction, supported by the Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET1) program.

According to the Victorian Government, the VRET1 initiative has been pivotal in accelerating Victoria’s renewable energy goals, bringing online five major projects and adding 800 MW of new renewable capacity—enough to power over 570,000 homes.

Victoria’s renewable energy achievements to date are notable, with 82 large-scale projects operational, generating 5.5 gigawatts of energy and lifting the state’s renewable electricity generation to 39 per cent last year.

The government said it aims for 95 per cent renewable energy by 2035, and this transition is expected to create 59,000 jobs and drive down power costs for residents.

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