Victoria’s Solar Farm Powers Microsoft Data Centres
ENGIE ANZ, with the support of Microsoft, has proudly announced the successful launch of the Goorambat East solar farm, situated in northern Victoria.
This impressive 250-megawatt facility marks ENGIE’s inaugural large-scale solar initiative in Australia and is backed by a decade-long power purchase agreement (PPA) with Microsoft.
Microsoft’s Commitment to Australian Renewable Energy
This project aligns with Microsoft’s significant investment in Australia, where it recently revealed a $25 billion commitment towards establishing data centres and enhancing cybersecurity, first announced in May. The tech giant inaugurated its initial Azure data centres in Australia back in October 2014.
In addition to Goorambat East, Microsoft has secured further PPA agreements, including those with the Walla Walla solar farm, the Rye Park wind farm, and the recently signed Carwarp Energy Park.
Renewable Energy Legislation and Market Response
The launch of this solar farm arrives amidst increasing regulatory requirements from the Australian Government, which mandates data-centre developers to offset their energy consumption with renewable resources.
Laura Caspari, the CEO of ENGIE ANZ, expressed confidence in the growing demand for renewable energy in Victoria, stating, “Victoria’s energy transition is not theoretical – it’s happening now, and it closely mirrors ENGIE’s own transformation over recent years.”
She noted that as coal-fired power sources retire, ENGIE is stepping up to create the next generation of energy solutions, encompassing wind, solar, and battery technologies, while continuing to aid customers during this transformative period.
ENGIE’s Vision for Victoria
Caspari also mentioned that Victoria remains crucial for ENGIE’s future growth plans. “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,” she added.
During its construction, the solar farm generated over 250 jobs and promises ongoing employment opportunities for local residents in operation and maintenance roles.
Moreover, ENGIE is dedicated to establishing a community benefit fund amounting to $75,000 annually throughout the project’s lifecycle, aimed at supporting local initiatives and providing enduring benefits to the communities of Goorambat and Benalla.
