Enel Green Power Australia has turned the ‘first sod’, marking the start of construction for the 93-megawatt (MW) Girgarre Solar Farm project, located approximately 50 kilometres west of Shepparton, in Victoria.
The solar farm, which involves an overall investment of more than $140 million, is expected to become operational in early 2025.
The Girgarre Solar Farm will consist of approximately 169,500 photovoltaic (PV) modules as well as the related civil and electrical infrastructure. The construction timeframe for the project is expected to be approximately 18 months, while the plant’s operational life is estimated at around 35 years and is due to supply sustainable electricity to over 43,000 Victorian households.
Werther Esposito, Enel Green Power Managing Director in Australia, said: “We were pleased to welcome Mayor and Councillors of the Campaspe Shire, representatives from Yorta Yorta and many valued project partners and stakeholders to celebrate the start of construction for the Girgarre Solar Farm.
“The presence of our many partners and stakeholders is a testament to the shared vision and commitment that has driven this project forward. We are grateful for the support and look forward to the journey ahead as we progress the project.
“Through Enel Green Power’s Creating Shared Value approach, our team is focused on ensuring proactive engagement and benefit sharing for the local community throughout the project’s construction and operational phases. The project is expected to contribute to significant supply and employment opportunities for the surrounding community, creating a positive economic impact on the local area.”
Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources the Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio MP said: “The Girgarre Solar Farm will be an important part of Victoria’s transition to 95 per cent renewable energy generation by 2035. It will deliver affordable and reliable renewable energy to our grid once complete and create local jobs and opportunities during its construction.”
Enel Green Power Australia currently operates three plants totalling around 310 MW, with a 76 MW wind project under construction in Western Australia.
Enel Green Power also recently announced an agreement to transfer a 50 per cent stake in Enel Green Power Australia to INPEX Corporation (INPEX). Upon the transaction closing, Enel Green Power and INPEX are expected to jointly control EGPA, overseeing the development and operation of its portfolio of high-quality renewable energy assets across Australia.
