Christmas trees weren’t the only green addition that arrived in Victorian households over the holiday season, as the state switched on one of the nation’s largest solar farms.
Residents in the state’s north were able to feel slightly less guilty about accidentally leaving their Christmas lights thanks to the 130MWdc solar farm now operational at Glenrowan.
Developed by CIMIC Group company Pacific Partnerships, the green energy source started exporting renewable power to the national grid network last month through a ten-year power purchase agreement with the Victorian government.
The site will ramp up to total production by March, when it’s expected to power more than 45,000 homes across the state.
CIMIC Group Executive Chairman Juan Santamaria says the farm will help Australia meet its net zero by 2050 carbon goals after being constructed in only a year.
“It is a great example of how CIMIC Group is leveraging expansion opportunities in growth markets for a new generation of infrastructure, right across energy transition, digital infrastructure and technology, and sustainable infrastructure,” Mr Santamaria said.
New solar farm one of Australia’s largest
The 245-ha solar farm is located in Victoria’s North East Renewable Energy Zone and has a grid connection and service agreements with Victoria’s transmission network operator (AusNet) and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).
Pacific Partnerships’ Managing Director Simon Nicholls praised the build time of the solar network, with partner companies coming together to deliver the project on time.
“Achieving on-time energisation just one year after construction began is a testament to the team’s detailed planning, coordination and great working relationship with AEMO.”
More blue-collar jobs to the region
Pacific Partnerships will work alongside CIMIC Group company UGL to manage site maintenance, operation and engineering needs.
The solar farm is set to bring 125 full-time jobs to the region, with 70 per cent of the current workforce being residents.
“We aim to add value to the communities where we work across Australia, and the Glenrowan Solar Farm is an excellent example of this.” UGL Managing Director Doug Moss said.
