A quiet change is taking place in the green fields of Horsham, Victoria.
The region, once famous for its wheat-growing and sheep-grazing, is now transforming into a renewable energy hub, thanks to the construction of the SEC Renewable Energy Park – Horsham, which consists of 212,000 solar panels.
The construction of Victoria’s landmark renewable energy project is being managed by OX2 Australia, where Carla Evans is the Senior Development Manager.
With more than 16 years in environmental science and renewable energy, Evans, and her team at OX2 Australia, embody the quiet revolution reshaping Australia’s energy landscape.
“I have been interested in environmental issues and climate change since primary school days and knew from early on that I wanted to study environmental science and work in this field,” Evans said.
“I have over 16 years’ experience in environmental impact assessment and management and have worked in the renewable energy industry for the past eight years.”
Evans’ career mirrors Australia’s renewable evolution.
Starting as a graduate consultant, she sharpened her skills on environmental impact assessments before pivoting to renewables.
“I moved across to ESCO Pacific to work as a Senior Development Manager as I was drawn to the success that ESCO had achieved over a relatively short period of time,” she reflected.
“One and a half years after joining ESCO, we found out that ESCO was to be acquired by OX2. There was some hesitation when I first heard of the acquisition, but it immediately became clear when we were introduced to the leadership team that it was a company whose values are closely aligned with my own.”
She moved across to OX2 in 2023, via its acquisition of ESCO Pacific, marking a turning point for both Evans and the company in Australia.
OX2, a Swedish-headquartered renewable energy developer, is known for its bold and strategic projects.
The company has been at the forefront of the energy transition in Europe, and now, they’re driving forward ambitious projects down under. As a Senior Development Manager at OX2, Evans manages renewable energy projects from conception to approval, coordinating teams of stakeholders, engineers, and environmental consultants.
“Renewable energy projects are complex and challenging, however it’s very satisfying to work through these challenges, with the support of incredible colleagues and consultants, to get these projects to the stage that they are ready to take to investors,” she said.
Her dedication extends beyond technical expertise. A recipient of the Chloe Munro Clean Energy Council scholarship, Evans champions women’s leadership in the renewable sector.
“The energy transition is not a simple task.Diverse organisations and teams are best placed to succeed in this complex environment,” she said.
“While we have come a long way as an industry with regards to gender diversity, we still have a way to go. Initiatives such as the Chloe Munro scholarship not only teach technical leadership and managerial skills but also provide the opportunity to build networks.”
Evans currently leads the development of Muswellbrook Solar Farm, located adjacent to the historic Muswellbrook Coal Mine that ceased mining operations in 2022. This project exemplifies the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy in Australia’s Upper Hunter region.
OX2 and the Horsham project
The SEC Renewable Energy Park – Horsham represents a milestone for OX2 in Australia. It’s one of Australia’s first 100 per cent publicly owned renewable energy projects, developed in partnership with the SEC – Victoria’s government-owned renewable energy company.
When OX2 entered the Australian market in 2023, the company identified a strategic opportunity to expand beyond selling project rights to delivering complete turnkey solutions. The 119MWac solar farm in Horsham perfectly aligns with this vision.
As OX2’s first hybrid project in Australia, it combines solar power with a 100MW BESS, enhancing grid stability and helping manage peak demand to contribute to lower power prices.
The project’s annual electricity production is estimated at 242 GWh, enough to power approximately 51,000 Victorian households, accelerating the state’s transition toward clean energy and electrification.
“This aligns with the strategy OX2 outlined when entering the Australian market in 2023,” a company spokesperson said.
“We saw significant potential for value creation by expanding our offering from selling project rights to providing turnkey solutions at the start of construction.”
Looking to the future
For Evans and OX2, the future of renewable energy in Australia looks promising yet challenging. The company continues to expand its portfolio, recently acquiring an onshore wind project in Western Australia in October 2024, while exploring opportunities in standalone energy storage solutions.
Under new ownership by EQT, one of the world’s largest private equity investors, OX2 has gained strategic flexibility and financial capacity to expand its footprint and evolve its business model into a hybrid Independent Power Producer (IPP).
“Having previously worked for an Independent Power Producer, I am very excited about the opportunities that will come from the hybrid IPP model that OX2 is transitioning to,” Evans said.
“I am also excited that OX2 Australia has expanded into onshore wind and looking at standalone batteries.”
Evans also highlighted the importance of sustainability in OX2’s approach.
The company’s framework addresses climate change, biodiversity, and community engagement.
At Muswellbrook, OX2 Australia has engaged with BlackRock Industries, a 100 per cent Indigenous-owned company, creating employment opportunities for Indigenous people
For young professionals considering careers in renewable energy, Evans offers heartfelt advice.
“One of the things that I love most about the renewable energy industry is the incredible support that people, particularly women, provide each other. I would encourage young professionals to build networks,” she said.
“I also recommend taking chances and opportunities when they arise. It has been well documented that women are less likely than men to apply for jobs and more senior roles because they’re concerned that they aren’t qualified enough.”
Across Australia, renewable energy projects are flourishing, fuelled by talented individuals like Evans and driven by ambitious companies like OX2.
Together, they’re shaping a future for Australia — a future that is good for communities, bright with innovation, and sustainable for generations to come.
For more information, visit ox2.com/australia
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