CONSTRUCTION on the 250MW Goorambat East Solar Farm - about twice the size of the Glenrowan solar facility - is set to begin, with works expected to create 250 jobs.
ENGIE has reached financial close for the solar facility and confirmed the appointment of Bouygues Construction Australia and Equans Solar & Storage JV as the project’s engineering, procurement, and construction contractors.
Bouygues, Equans and connection infrastructure provider AusNet, have now been given 'notice to proceed' with full construction of the solar facility 500 metres east of Goorambat, starting with internal access roads next month.
ENGIE Australia’s general manager engineering and asset delivery, Leigh Newbery, said landholder agreements have been signed with five local Goorambat families and construction is expected to be completed in 2026.
He said the facility's maximum capacity could generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 105,000 average Victorian homes, helping to bolster energy security in Victoria.
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Job applications via the ENGIE website are open until mid-September.
Mr Newbery said Bouygues Construction Australia and Equans Solar & Storage have vast experience in designing, constructing and delivering nation shaping projects across the fields of civil infrastructure, engineering and energy.
Bouygues Construction Australia CEO Seved Robin said they "firmly believe in the power of renewable energy to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all", and look forward to working with ENGIE on this "important renewable energy project”.
Ausnet has been engaged to design, build and operate the new Goorambat East Terminal Station that will connect the solar farm to the Victorian transmission network.
It will be located alongside the existing single circuit 220kV transmission line route between the Shepparton Terminal Station and the Dederang Terminal Station.
Mr Newbery said the continued development of the solar farm is another positive sign for the renewable energy industry in Victoria, as well as Australia’s response to managing the impacts of climate change.
“The solar farm will make the most of an excellent solar resource and existing transmission infrastructure, and the project’s footprint has been optimised to incorporate expert advice, community input and guidance from authorities captured over years of best-practice engagement,” he said.
“ENGIE has previously announced a commitment that once the solar farm starts to generate electricity a community benefit fund will be set up with $75,000 per year for the life of the project, as well as up to $1000 in annual electricity rebates will be offered to eligible near neighbours of the project.”
Local residents who have questions about the project or want more information can email: goorambatsolarfarm.au@engie.com
