French power utility Engie SA has officially begun construction on its 250-MW Goorambat East Solar Farm in Victoria, marking the company's largest photovoltaic (PV) project in the Australian state.
The sod-turning ceremony took place at the project site on Thursday, with local government officials in attendance.
Located near the towns of Goorambat and Benalla in northern Victoria, the solar farm is expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 105,000 average Victorian homes.
The facility will be connected to a newly constructed Goorambat East Terminal Station and is scheduled to commence operations in 2026.
The initiation of construction follows the project's financial closing, which was secured through debt financing from Germany's Deutsche Bank in August. Bouygues Construction Australia and Equans Solar & Storage will act as engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors for the project.
Engie's solar initiative includes a community benefit fund of AUD 75,000 (USD 49,700/EUR 45,900) per year throughout the operational lifespan of the plant. Additionally, the construction phase is anticipated to create around 250 new jobs.
