European Energy has officially inaugurated its first operational solar project in Australia, completing the 58MW Mokoan Solar Park in Winton, Victoria, ahead of schedule. The project marks the initial step in the company's ambitious 9GW development pipeline across the country.
The Mokoan Solar Park is currently undergoing final performance testing and is expected to begin full commercial operations by June 2025. The site, located in the Hume region of northern Victoria, will provide renewable electricity to more than 18,000 Australian households.
During the inauguration, European Energy's Chief Executive Knud Erik Andersen joined the Mayor of Benalla Rural City Council, Bernie Hearn, to inspect the site, which is in the final stages of grid compliance and commissioning work.
“The commissioning of our first solar farm in Australia is a proud moment for our entire team,” said Catriona McLeod, Managing Director of European Energy Australia. “Mokoan Solar Park will help deliver energy security for Victoria while cutting carbon emissions by more than 85,000 tonnes each year.”
The construction of Mokoan Solar Park was completed under budget, less than a year after European Energy made its financial investment decision. The project has also contributed significantly to the local economy, with more than AUD $95 million invested in regional suppliers, and 150 local jobs created during construction. Once operational, the project will maintain eight ongoing operational roles.
In addition to its energy production, European Energy is investing over AUD $400,000 in community initiatives that will benefit local organizations, the Yorta Yorta people, and regional businesses.
Knud Erik Andersen highlighted the broader importance of the project: “Bringing our first solar project online in Australia is a significant achievement for European Energy and a strong signal of our long-term commitment to the country.”
The Mokoan Solar Park is also part of the Australian government's Capacity Investment Scheme, which supports renewable energy projects by providing a long-term revenue safety net. This is expected to help foster further investments in Australia's renewable energy sector.
European Energy is also focused on environmental stewardship and has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the conservation charity Odonata to explore opportunities for enhancing biodiversity at Mokoan and other future sites in Australia. The company is working toward a similar agreement with the Yorta Yorta Nations Aboriginal Corporation to ensure that First Nations communities share in the benefits of the country's energy transition.
“Mokoan Solar Park is just the beginning of our journey in Australia, where we see great potential to deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy at scale,” said Andersen.
