CIMIC Group company Pacific Partnerships has achieved financial close and commenced construction on the Glenrowan Solar Farm in northern Victoria, following the project’s 10-year VRET2 support agreement signed late last year with the Victorian Government.

Leading infrastructure developer, Pacific Partnerships has initiated the project through its energy business Pacific Partnerships Energy. CIMIC’s specialist end-to-end engineering and services provider UGL is responsible for the engineering, procurement, construction and subsequent operations and maintenance.

CIMIC Executive Chairman Juan Santamaria said: “The start of construction at Glenrowan Solar Farm is a key milestone. It builds on our history of delivering large-scale renewable energy projects such as wind, solar and utility-scale battery installation, as well as the infrastructure to connect those assets to the grid, through UGL and CPB Contractors.

“We are proud to be a part of the clean energy transition and to be supporting the State of Victoria to achieve its renewable energy target of 65% by 2030 and 95% by 2035.”

Pacific Partnerships Managing Director Simon Nicholls said: “Securing a long-term VRET2 support agreement with the State of Victoria for clean power from the Glenrowan Solar Farm has been instrumental in giving the certainty needed to secure the connection agreements, regulatory approvals as well as construction and operations contracts to achieve financial close.

“The construction phase also enables proactive opportunities for the local community and unlocks jobs and benefits for businesses and initiatives in the region.”

UGL Managing Director Doug Moss said: “UGL is well-established as a leader in the engineering, design, procurement, installation and operation of renewable energy assets across Australia. The Glenrowan Solar Farm to be built on the 245ha site will generate an installed capacity of up to 130MWdc which would equate to enough independent electricity to power approximately 45,000 Victorian homes.

“UGL is committed to local procurement and employment and we look forward to sharing opportunities with the local community through this project.”

Grid connection and services agreements are in place with the Victorian transmission network operator (AusNet) and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

Operations and renewable energy generation is expected to commence in late 2023.