Glenrowan Solar Farm
Making transformational projects possible
Pacific Partnerships Energy is actively driving CIMIC’s strategic expansion into the emissions free, renewable energy sector and has developed the Group’s first large-scale solar farm in northern Victoria. This development is part of Pacific Partnerships Energy’s strategy to establish a diversified portfolio of energy and utilities assets within the National Electricity Market (NEM).
Operations and renewable energy generation started in late 2023 as commissioning and grid testing was undertaken. UGL delivered construction from December 2022 and will be responsible for operations and maintenance – ensuring a whole of life approach.
CIMIC has a strong history of delivering leading-edge renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar, through CPB Contractors and UGL.
In August 2023, Pacific Partnerships acquired the development rights for its second solar project, Hopeland Solar Farm within the Southern Queensland Renewable Energy Zone, and is actively developing new opportunities across Australia.
Scope
The 245 hectare Glenrowan Solar Farm will generate an installed capacity of up to 130 MWdc / 102 MWac and connects to the Glenrowan Terminal Substation. It is expected to generate enough independent electricity to power approximately 45,000 Australian homes.
Grid connection services and services agreements are in place with the Victorian transmission network operator (AusNet) and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).
Glenrowan Solar Farm is backed by a 10-year power purchase agreement with the State of Victoria. Pacific Partnerships Energy tendered for the agreement under the Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) reverse auction process, designed to support the State achieve its legislated renewable energy target of 50% by 2030.
Social licence and benefit sharing
Social licence is a focus, through a community-driven benefit sharing program and engagement with stakeholders, neighbours and the broader community.
Conscious of the need to create a positive legacy for the local community, Pacific Partnerships Energy has established a Community Reference Group (CRG) to co-design a benefit sharing program that will deliver social, environmental and economic outcomes. The CRG is also a forum for members to keep their communities informed about development of the Glenrowan Solar Farm.
Construction has unlocked more than 70 local full-time jobs and opportunities for local businesses such as civil, electrical and mechanical contractors. This includes a commitment to procure more than $1.9m of goods and services from social enterprises - as at September 2023, the project has contracted more than $2m from Victorian Traditional Owner businesses. While the social procurement target has already been exceeded, the project continues to seek additional opportunities.