French multinational power firm Engie has begun construction works on the 250MW Goorambat East solar farm in Victoria, Australia.

The project, expected to be operational by 2027, is Engie's first solar plant in Victoria after the closure of its Hazelwood coal-fired power generator in 2017.

One of Victoria's largest solar farms, Goorambat East will have the capacity to power every household in the rural cities of Benalla and Wangaratta twice over.

Victoria Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio confirmed the start of the project and celebrated the completion of the nearby 99MW Winton solar farm.

D’Ambrosio stated: “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.”

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

The Goorambat East solar farm is set to create 250 jobs and promises significant regional benefits during its construction and operation.

This includes a community benefit fund of A$75,000 per annum for a minimum of 25 years.

Winton solar farm, developed by Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, has now been commissioned and contributes cheap, renewable solar power to Victoria's electricity grid.

Winton supplies power to 52,000 homes and generated 200 jobs during its construction, bolstered by the state government's first round of the Victorian renewable energy target auctions.

Victoria's renewable electricity generation reached 39% in 2023, bolstered by the 82 large-scale renewable energy projects currently operational, which deliver 5.5GW of energy. The state is well on its way to achieving a transition to 95% renewable energy generation by 2035, a move that is expected to create 59,000 jobs.