The latest developments on European Energy’s inaugural Australian solar asset, the 56MW Mokoan Solar Farm (ultimately built out to an installed capacity of 58MW), indicate that the project is now successfully commissioned and active on the grid. Located in the Hume region of Victoria across a 94-hectare former grazing site, the project achieved a pivotal milestone when the Australian federal government selected it under the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS), guaranteeing long-term revenue security. Following a fast-tracked 11-month construction phase that overcame dense engineering hurdles, including navigating an active railway line, the busy Hume Highway, and multiple fiber and gas pipelines cutting through the site.
The plant achieved first power and successfully entered its grid compliance testing phase. Producing an estimated 113 GWh of clean electricity annually to power over 18,000 Victorian homes, European Energy has used the Mokoan project as a foundational launchpad for a massive 10 GW regional pipeline, which has rapidly expanded with the March 2026 inauguration of their 108 MW Lancaster Solar Farm backed by a long-term corporate offtake agreement with Apple.
While European Energy’s Mokoan Solar Farm acts as a utility-scale asset feeding clean electricity directly into Victoria’s public National Electricity Market (NEM), Fortescue’s upcoming Turner River Solar Farm will operate as a massive, off-grid industrial powerhouse dedicated entirely to decarbonizing heavy iron ore operations in the remote Pilbara. Together, these complementary models drive Australia’s energy transition from both sides of the spectrum.
Mokoan leverages federal policies like the Capacity Investment Scheme to strengthen public grid stability and support corporate tech infrastructure, while Turner River proves that the country’s carbon-heavy mining sectors can successfully achieve a “Real Zero” footprint through localized, multi-gigawatt private infrastructure networks.
March 7, 2024
The front runner in the European renewable energy market, European Energy, has set a pole standard with the construction of Australia’s 56 MW solar farm, adding to their expanding list of projects there.
Scope
The Hume-based Renewable Energy project is a credible and visionary project with an assurance of making 15,000 households shift from traditional power grid to sustainable and clean electricity grid after the completion of the venture.
Bifacial solar panels, the new buzz phrase in the clean energy sector, are heavily featured in the futuristic solar farm, which marks the beginning of the avalanche of reductions of carbon emissions.
Research shows, that just this plant can reduce emissions even more then 85,000 tons of CO2 per year.
This environmentally friendly project fully exposes European Energy’s determination to fight against the climate change and the future generation.
Completion date
Construction is anticipated to be completed in 2025. Therefore, it will help to maintain a green environment for all.
Catriona McLeod, the Country Manager, for Australia at European Energy shared her excitement about the start of construction describing it as the beginning of a chapter for the company’s activities in Australia.
She highlighted the company’s enthusiasm to utilize its expertise in energy development across aspects such as engineering, procurement, construction, financing and operations to make a valuable contribution towards Australia’s ambitious renewable energy goals.
As part of a move to secure funding for the project European Energy has formed a partnership with NORD/LB Singapore Branch.
Secured a loan facility that aligns with the strict Green Loan Principles set by the Loan Market Association.
NORD/LBs comprehensive involvement in roles like MLAUB, Green Structuring Bank, LC provider, Hedge Provider and Agent reflects efforts focused on ensuring the success of this innovative initiative.
Thorvald Spanggaard, European Energy’s Executive Vice President of Project Development expressed confidence in the projects feasibility and highlighted Australia’s growing renewable energy market as a pivotal factor for success.
With than 5 GW of capacity under active development and an additional 3 GW in screening phase; European Energy is well positioned to make significant progress in strengthening its presence, within Australia’s renewable energy sector.
The journey to unlock the potential of the Mokoan farm has seen significant milestones, such, as receiving development approval from the Benalla Rural City Council in December 2018 and getting expansion endorsement from the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning in June 2020.
The site, covering a 94 hectares was previously used for grazing showcasing the projects dedication to repurposing land for development projects.
In summary European Energys entry into Australias energy sector marks a stride towards a more sustainable and eco conscious future.
By establishing the Mokoan farm the company aims not to meet the increasing energy needs of communities but also to stand as a symbol of innovation and advancement, in renewable energy.
Mokoan Solar Farm Project Factsheet
Developer / Owner: European Energy Australia
Location: Lee Road and Nelson Road, Winton (Hume Region), Victoria, Australia
Project Footprint: 94 hectares
Installed Capacity: 58 MWdc
Annual Generation: 113,000 MWh
Battery Storage: (BESS) Mokoan BESS: Planned 40 MW / 80 MWh
Operational Lifespan: 30 years
Current Status: Fully Operational / Active Commissioning completed
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