European Energy Launches Lancaster Solar Farm During Danish Royal Visit
European Energy, a Danish renewable energy company, has proudly inaugurated its 108 megawatt Lancaster Solar Farm in Victoria. This launch comes shortly after the large-scale solar project was officially recorded in the Australian market operator’s grid management system.
The ambitious project, featuring 170,000 solar panels, is situated approximately 9 km east of Kyabram, in central-northern Victoria. It has a long-term power purchase agreement with global technology leader Apple to supply renewable electricity for its Australian operations, a deal that was finalized last year.
Significant Launch Event
Coinciding with the visit of the King and Queen of Denmark to Australia, the project launch was graced by local stakeholders and members of the Yorta Yorta community, who are the Traditional Custodians of the land.
Knud Erik Andersen, CEO of European Energy, commented on the significance of the Lancaster Solar Farm, stating that it enhances the company’s presence in Australia and illustrates its strategy to expand its renewable energy portfolio in markets displaying a strong demand for clean electricity.
Growing Renewable Energy Market
Australia is rapidly evolving into a key player in the renewable energy sector, and European Energy is actively developing a project pipeline underpinned by long-term power purchase agreements and strategic partnerships with various corporate offtakers.
The company currently holds a development pipeline of around 10 gigawatts (GW) comprising solar, onshore wind, and battery storage projects across Australia. The offtake agreement with Apple reflects one of several arrangements the company has successfully established with major technology enterprises for its solar installations in the country.
For instance, Amazon has entered into agreements concerning European Energy’s solar projects located in Victoria and Queensland, including Mokoan, Winton North, and Bullyard. Additionally, Google and Air Trunk have initiated collaborations for the Mulwala solar project situated in New South Wales.
Projects in Operation and Development
The Mokoan solar farm, which has a capacity of 46 megawatts (MW), is already operational and was the first project to achieve full production under an underwriting agreement from the federal government’s Capacity Investment Scheme.
Moreover, European Energy is also working on the vast 1.1 GW Upper Calliope solar project in Queensland. This initiative is supported by a contract with Rio Tinto aimed at supplying power to its smelters and refineries in Gladstone. The mining giant plans to decommission its coal generator by 2029, further driving the transition to renewable energy sources.
