European Energy to build first project in Australia
Published by Jessica Casey,
Editor
Energy Global,
European Energy has started construction on a 56 MW solar farm in Australia, which is set to be the company’s first operating project in the country.
European Energy has initiated construction on what will be its first operating project in Australia, a 56 MW solar farm, marking the company’s debut operating project in the country. Located in the Hume region of Victoria, this solar farm is expected to provide renewable electricity to over 15 000 households upon completion.
The solar farm will help reduce carbon emissions by more than 85 000 t. Featuring bifacial solar panels, the construction is anticipated to be completed in 2025.
“We are thrilled to have started construction on our first solar project in Australia,” said Catriona McLeod, Country Manager for European Energy in Australia.
“We see this as the start of many projects by European Energy in the country. We are eager to leverage our capability in renewable energy development, EPC, financing, and operating to contribute to meeting Australia’s renewable energy targets.”
The project has reached financial close on a loan facility from NORD/LB Singapore Branch, expected to adhere to the Loan Market Association’s Green Loan Principles. NORD/LB acted as MLAUB, Green Structuring Bank, LC provider, Hedge Provider and Agent.
“With our skilled in-house EPC team leading the construction of the Mokoan solar farm, we are confident in the project’s success. Australia presents a highly promising market for renewable energy projects. Currently, we have over 5 GW under active development in Australia and a further 3 GW in screening, and we aim to realise these projects in the coming years,” said says Thorvald Spanggaard, Executive Vice President of Project Development at European Energy.
The Mokoan solar farm received development approval from the Benalla Rural City Council in December 2018. An expansion of the project was later approved by the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water, and Planning in June 2020. The 94-ha. site, primarily used for grazing before, underscores the project’s commitment to sustainable development.
For more news and technical articles from the global renewable industry, read the latest issue of Energy Global magazine.
Energy Global's Winter 2023 issue
The Winter 2023 issue of Energy Global hosts an array of technical articles weather analysis, geothermal solutions, energy storage technology, and more. This issue also features a regional report looking at the future of renewables in North America, and a report from Théodore Reed-Martin, Editorial Assistant, Energy Global, on how Iceland utilises its unique geology for renewable energy.
Read the article online at: https://www.energyglobal.com/solar/06032024/european-energy-to-build-first-project-in-australia/
You might also like
Ossian completes essential wind data campaign
A campaign to gather more than two years’ worth of wind data crucial for the development of the Ossian floating offshore wind farm has been completed.