$198m solar farm opens in Victoria

Neoen has commenced full-scale commercial operation at its Numurkah Solar Farm in Northern Victoria, officially launched by the state’s Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio.

The $198 million, 128 MWp solar farm, featuring 373,839 solar panels, will produce 255 GWh of emission-free, renewable energy each year — the annual equivalent of taking 77,000 cars off the road and enough to power 48,000 Victorian households. With construction completed by Downer in April 2019, the facility will power Melbourne’s tram network and the Laverton steel works.

“The Numurkah Solar Farm will play an important role in supporting the transformation of our energy network towards clean, renewable energy and reaching our renewable energy target of 50% by 2030,” D’Ambrosio said.

In addition to the supply of sustainable energy to the Australian market, Neoen is committed to local development and community growth. The renewable energy producer has established a Numurkah Solar Farm Community Fund to provide financial support to community groups to grow the region.

Neoen Australia Managing Director Louis de Sambucy said, “Numurkah is an important project for Neoen, and the commencement of commercial operations here is a significant milestone for our operations. We sincerely thank our stakeholders — the Victorian Government, the Numurkah community, Moira Shire Council, Powercor Australia, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and SIMEC Zen Energy — for helping us make this project a success.

“Neoen will continue to work with its partners, the local communities, councils and state governments to ensure that the people of Australia enjoy clean, reliable and affordable electricity for decades to come.”

Neoen’s Chairman and CEO, Xavier Barbaro, said, “We are very proud to be bringing into service the Numurkah Solar Farm. With this project, Neoen confirms its commitment as a long-term owner and operator contributing to Australia’s renewable energy transition.

“We are determined to continue growing our asset base in Australia, and we will pursue all future developments with the same integrity and respect for local areas.”

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