ENGIE Commissions Victoria’s Largest Operating Solar Farm

ENGIE ANZ has today announced the successful commissioning of the Goorambat East Solar Farm in northern Victoria, marking a significant milestone in bringing its Australian renewable energy portfolio online.

Located near Benalla, the 250 MW solar farm will generate enough clean electricity each year to power around 105,000 Victorian homes, supporting the transition to a reliable and secure energy supply while reducing emissions and delivering local benefits.

The project represents ENGIE’s first large-scale solar development in Australia and a key step in the company’s strategy to accelerate the energy transition. Goorambat East Solar Farm is underpinned by a 10-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Microsoft, securing a portion of the project’s output, providing long-term revenue certainty and reflecting strong demand from leading global companies for renewable energy in Australia.

Laura Caspari, CEO, ENGIE ANZ, said the project highlights the role of large-scale renewables in strengthening the National Electricity Market.

“The commissioning of Goorambat East Solar Farm is a major milestone for ENGIE locally and moves us to a more secure and sustainable energy system.

“Victoria’s energy transition is not theoretical - it’s happening now, and it closely mirrors ENGIE’s own transformation over recent years.

“As coal fired power retires, we’ve stepped forward to build the next generation of energy infrastructure - wind, solar and batteries - while continuing to support customers through a period of significant change,” Ms Caspari said.

Victoria remains a core market for ENGIE’s growth ambitions, with the company continuing to invest in renewable generation and storage projects across the state.

“Victoria is an important foundation state for ENGIE as we build out our renewables portfolio. Goorambat East reflects our long-term commitment to the region, local communities, and the state’s clean energy future,” Ms Caspari said.

The solar farm has also delivered significant economic and community benefits throughout its development, including the creation of more than 250 jobs during the construction phase, ongoing local roles for the operation and maintenance of the asset and long-term community investment.

ENGIE has committed to a community benefit fund of $75,000 per year for the life of the project. The fund will support local initiatives and deliver long-term benefits to the Goorambat and Benalla communities. This fund operates alongside targeted local investments including a contribution toward a new telecommunications tower to improve connectivity in the region.

“This project is another step towards building a diversified portfolio of renewable and flexible assets, supporting our ambition to accelerate the energy transition,” Ms Caspari said.

“By continuing to invest in solar, wind and storage, we are helping to deliver affordable, reliable and low-carbon energy for Australian customers and communities.”