The Australian branch of the utility behemoth Engie has initiated the construction of its 250MW Goorambat East solar PV project in Victoria, Australia.
Engie asserts that the project, considered the largest currently under development in the state, is scheduled for completion in 2026. It is set to commence supplying renewable energy to the National Electricity Market (NEM) by 2027.
Situated 500 meters east of Goorambat and 12 kilometers north of Benalla in Victoria, the Goorambat East Solar Farm is strategically positioned between the regional hubs of Shepparton and Wangaratta, spanning approximately 630 hectares of land. Engie Australia successfully achieved financial close on the project in August 2024.
The solar farm will link up with the recently built Goorambat East Terminal Station, overseen and serviced by AusNet as per the connection agreements established with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).
An inaugural ceremony took place at the project site, with Lily D’Ambrosio, Victoria’s Minister for Climate Action, Energy, and Resources, in attendance, along with executives from Engie Australia.
Laura Caspari, Engie Australia’s Managing Director of Renewables, expressed that the project will play a significant role in advancing Engie’s renewable energy objectives within one of its crucial states of operation.
Caspari stated, “Goorambat East stands out as an ideal project due to its exceptional solar potential and connection to established transmission infrastructure. Additionally, it benefits from a supportive network of nearby residents and community members with whom we have collaborated. We eagerly anticipate becoming an integral part of this community and delivering significant contributions throughout every phase of this project.”
Within the framework of the Goorambat East Solar Farm initiative, Engie has pledged to allocate A$75,000 (US$50,000) annually to the local community throughout the project’s estimated 30-year lifespan, beginning upon the solar farm’s commencement of operations.
According to a recent PV Tech report, Engie’s North American division announced the signing of a power purchase agreement (PPA) with technology leader Google to supply electricity from its Chillingham solar project located in Bell County, Texas.
The solar project boasts a total operational capacity of 350GW, with Google securing 90MW of this capacity through the recent agreement. Engie is in the process of developing the project situated north of Austin and aims to have the facility operational by the end of this year.
